Lucas Radebe highlights Bafana improvement ahead of Nigeria showdown

‘Rhoo’ highlighted several positives in coach Hugo Broos’ team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier away to Nigeria on Friday night.

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Bafana then return home to face Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, but Radebe believes their AFCON bronze medal momentum can still carry them.

''I mean, great that they did well, I think for me it was fantastic and I think I have seen a lot of improvement with Bafana Bafana. I mean the way they performed at AFCON, it was absolutely amazing, not everyone thought they would reach that level. But I saw the level of commitment - which is one of the things we have been missing,'' said Radebe.

Bafana are currently on the backfoot having won and lost their opening two matches in Group C and must now pick up points to have a chance at reaching the World Cup.

Radebe says Broos has brought back confidence.

 ''And again consistency, which is always what we wanted to do and that shows that we have the right person driving that bus - which is very important, I mean if we can get everyone, not just the coach and the players, but the administration and everyone else pushing in the same direction. I think we will see the greatness come back again,'' added Radebe.

The ex-Leeds United skipper sees the fixture against Nigeria as the most crucial of the two and explained why he felt Bafana would be favourites against the AFCON finalists.

''The most important thing is stability, having that, shows the level of success will keep increasing. I know we are playing a grudge game against Nigeria and I think with the players, the manager that we have and the 12th man the fans - I don't see us sleeping on this one,'' he concluded.

How Bafana fare away in Uyo will signal whether they can enjoy a purple patch to see them all the way to the World Cup, argues Radebe.