As the Super Eagles prepare for their make-or-break World Cup qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana today in Bloemfontein, Nigerians living in South Africa have thrown their weight behind the national team, mobilising massive support that could prove crucial to Nigeria’s chances of victory.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, President-General of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), confirmed that the Nigerian community is fully prepared to rally behind the Eagles.
“We are eager for victory and for Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup. We have fully mobilised Nigerians here in South Africa to come out and support the Super Eagles in today’s match,” Onyekwelu said.
According to him, NICASA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa, has spent the past weeks sensitising members of the diaspora community on the importance of showing strong support for the Eagles in this crucial fixture.
Why the Mobilisation Matters
The Super Eagles’ qualifying campaign has been anything but smooth. Despite last weekend’s narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda, Nigeria sit third in Group C with 10 points, just behind Benin on 11 and trailing South Africa, who lead with 16 points after their emphatic 3-0 win over Lesotho.
With only a few matches left, every game is now a final for Nigeria. Defeat to South Africa today could leave the Eagles with a mountain to climb, while victory would reignite their push to book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This is why the backing of the Nigerian community in South Africa has become so crucial. In away fixtures where the host nation often enjoys a hostile atmosphere, diaspora support can tip the psychological balance, lifting the players’ spirit and reducing the pressure of playing on foreign soil.
Promoting Unity and Peace
Onyekwelu stressed that beyond football, the leadership of NICASA has also been promoting peace and harmony around the match. He explained that the association has been preaching the “power of Mbotu”, a philosophy of African openness and unity, to encourage tolerance among fans of both nations.
“We have been preaching tolerance, patriotism, and law-abiding conduct among Nigerians,” he said, noting that NICASA has also worked with local law enforcement and security agencies to guarantee safety before, during, and after the game.
Confidence in the Eagles
Despite South Africa’s resurgence under coach Hugo Broos, Onyekwelu expressed optimism that the Super Eagles have what it takes to secure victory.
“One thing is sure, the Super Eagles will hear, see, and feel our support. We shall ginger them to victory,” he declared.
For Nigeria, today’s match is more than just a qualifier, it is a defining moment in the journey toward the 2026 World Cup. And with the Nigerian community in South Africa standing firmly behind them, the Eagles may just find the extra push they need to soar.
