Head coach of South Africa, Hugo Broos, has explained why his team has a significant advantage over Nigeria and the Benin Republic ahead of the final laps of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month.

Broos asserts that Bafana Bafana’s advantage over Nigeria and the Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers stems from the fact that the Super Eagles can only secure 17 points if they win their last two games.

The Belgian tactician also noted that the Republic of Benin cannot win their last two games against Nigeria and Rwanda, respectively.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of South Africa’s crucial fixture against Zimbabwe on Friday, Broos told reporters, “That game on Friday is maybe the most important.

“If we can win that game, you have 17 points. Nigeria, if they win their two games, can only have 17 points; the same thing for Rwanda.

“But Benin cannot win their two games because they play against Nigeria and Rwanda; therefore, the game on Friday is so important for us to win.”

The Republic of Benin is currently on top of Group C with 14 points and has a superior goal difference ahead of second-position South Africa, which also has 14 points.

Nigeria and Rwanda both have 11 points each and sit in third and fourth positions, respectively.