Pitso Mosimane, former head coach of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, has lauded Nigeria’s Super Eagles as an excellent squad despite their early troubles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Eagles kicked off the qualifiers in Group C with two draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
After forcing Lesotho to a 1-1 draw in Uyo on matchday one, the Jose Peseiro-led team played another 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Rwanda.
The result leaves the Eagles in third spot behind leaders Rwanda and second placed South Africa
In a recent interview with the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA), Mosimane, who handled Bafana from 2010 to 2012, acknowledging the talents within the squad
The former Al Ahly coach also expressed his desire to lead a team to the FIFA World Cup.
“If you have Chukuweze and the boy playing for Napoli as your striker, I mean really. That Nigerian team is unbelievable.”
He added:“Of course, I want South Africa to win because I am South African. But in reality, I think Nigeria has the team, man,” he added.
Speaking on the Eagles’ performances in the World Cup qualifiers, Mosimane expressed concern about potential interference affecting the team’s dynamics.
“I saw the draw against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Okay, it’s football, it happens. But how can politics between the government and the federation derail the team?” he quizzed.
The qualifiers will resume in June 2024 with the Eagles hosting Bafana in matchday three.
Mosimane led Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title in 2016 and five Premier Soccer League crowns.
He was appointed head coach of Al Ahly and won back-to-back Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021.
He was the first non-Egyptian African to manage the Egyptian giants.
In 2020, Mosimane led Al Ahly to a third place finish at the FIFA Club World Cup after beating Palmeiras of Brazil on penalties.
