Bafana Bafana of South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has named a 48-man preliminary squad for September’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Lesotho.
Of the 48, a total of 42 players are drawn from the South African Premier Soccer League, underlining the domestic league’s strong contribution to the national team.
Some of the notable names from abroad include striker Lyle Foster of Burnley in England, midfielder Luke Le Roux from Portsmouth, Mohau Nkota of Ettifaq FC in Saudi Arabia, Bongokuhle Hlongwane of Minnesota United in the United States, and Siyabonga Ngezana of Romanian club FCSB.
The list also features defender Ime Okon, a South African of Nigerian descent, who earns his first international call-up just months afters he left the PSL for Hannover in Germany.
Ime Okon’s father is from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and his mother is South African. Photo Credit: Hannover 96
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Bafana Bafana currently lead Group C with 13 points after six matches and will look to extend their advantage when they face Lesotho and Nigeria at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
FULL list of South Africa squad. Image Credit: SAFA
The Super Eagles drew the first leg 1-1 in Uyo against the Bafana Bafana in what was former Super Eagles gaffer Finidi George’s first competitive match at the helm.
Nigeria and South Africa also clashed in the Semi final of the 2024 AFCON in Ivory with the Super Eagles winning on penalties after 1-1 draw.
Bafana Bafana of South Africa. Photo Credit: X
They will also benefit from double home advantage, with Lesotho opting to play their home games in South Africa, effectively giving Broos’ side home-ground familiarity even for the away fixture.
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The Super Eagles will host Rwanda in Uyo before travelling to Bloemfontein for the return clash against South Africa, a game that could prove decisive in the battle for top spot.
