South African forward Iqraam Rayners is optimistic that Bafana Bafana will return with at least a point in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on Friday in Uyo.
The two teams last met in the semifinal of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria emerged victorious after a penalty shootout.
Also read: We are in Nigeria to qualify for World Cup, South Africa coach boasts
Rayners, who had a stellar season with Stellenbosch, scoring 14 goals and helping the team secure a third-place finish and CAF Confederation Cup qualification, has set his sights on helping Bafana conquer the Super Eagles. However, he acknowledges that the encounter will be a tough one.
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“It’s not easy to play at this level compared to the PSL, this is international level, so this a great opportunity for me to test myself against the best on the continent, especially against the players of Nigeria who play for big clubs in Europe,” Rayners said at Bafana’s press conference.
The Stellenbosch FC striker revealed their ambition to snatch at least a draw in Nigeria before returning home for a potential victory against Namibia. However, his personal desire is to secure all three points away from home.
“If we can’t win, we must at least get a point in Nigeria. Like the coach said, he wants four points from these two games but we will try to get six points…this is football and anything can happen, we might steal the game in the last minutes in Nigeria.
“I am thankful to the coach (Broos) for believing in me. For me, it’s a great opportunity to be here. I have the confidence to do what the coach asks me to do,’’ Rayners added.
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