South Africa Vs Nigeria beckons and The Super Eagles are set for a make or mar clash against the Bafana Bafana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifier on Tuesday, September 9 2025.
The Eagles are on the cusp of missing out of the World Cup in two successive editions and now looking to seal a win at the Free State Stadium [Toyota Stadium], Bloemfontein, to keep their qualification hopes on track, but South Africa vs Nigeria is always a tricky game.
South Africa vs Nigeria: Teams Form And Recent Performances
South Africa Vs Nigeria: Having played seven games so far, South Africa have taken the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifying series by storm recording five victories, one draw and a loss to amass 16 points which put them five points clear of second-placed Benin Republic in Group C.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Jo Bonfrere Sounds Alarm On Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup Hopes
The one-time AFCON champions won their last match 3-0 against the Crocodiles of Lesotho which puts them in a commanding position to book a place in the Mundial which is going to be their fourth time ever.
Nigeria on the other hand, are presently placed third after seven matches. Eric Chelle’s side so far have 10 points following two wins and four draws and a loss.
The three-time African champions put their qualifying campaign back on track after defeating the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo courtesy of Tolu Arokodare’s second half strike.
South Africa vs Nigeria: Head-To-Head Statistics
South Africa and Nigeria have met on 15 occasions with the Super Eagles holding the advantage with eight victories to the Bafana Bafana’s 2, while five matches between them have ended in draws.
Also Read: 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Always Have Psychological Edge Over South Africa — AFCON Title Winner
The two teams last met on matchday three of the qualifiers at the Nest of Champions which ended one goal apiece. Fisayo Dele Bashiru’s strike early in the second half cancelled out Themba Zwane’s goal for the Hugo Broos’ side.
Key Players Analysis
South Africa
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Theboho Mokoena has been a standout performer for the Bafana Bafana in the world cup qualifiers. The 28-year-old’s knack for winning duels, long range shooting and his ability to connect defence and attack has been evident for South Africa as they currently top the group’s goalscoring chart with 17 goals whilst keeping four clean sheets.
Nigeria
Following the absence of Victor Osimhen, who has been the Super Eagles’ talisman, Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman is set to take up the mantle against South Africa.
Lookman is known for his direct, pacey runs at the opposition defence, causing problems with his quick feet and close control.
Also Read: Forster: South Africa Not Under Pressure To Beat Super Eagles
The 27-year-old is the current African Player of the Year following his exploits for both club and country.
South Africa vs Nigeria Team News
South Africa
The Bafana Bafana are with a clean bill of health as they are set to enter the game with confidence off the back of a 3-0 victory over Lesotho.
Nigeria
Osimhen has been ruled out of the clash against South Africa following his forced substitution in the first half against Rwanda and is expected to make the trip back to his club, Galatasaray, in Turkey.
Arokodare is set to take Osimhen’s place in the starting line-up after his impressive display against the Amavubi which was capped off with a goal.
South Africa vs Nigeria: Probable Line-ups
South Africa (4-2-3-1):
Williams; Mobbie, Moloisane, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbata; Nkota, Mbule, Appollis; Foster
Nigeria (4-3-3):
Nwabali; Aina, Bassey, Fredrick, Onyemaechi; Ndidi (C), Onyeka, Iwobi; Simon, Lookman, Arokodare
By Habeeb Kuranga
2 Comments
If Nigeria fail to qualify, then the NFF should be held accountable for our dismissal performance. How could Nigeria fail to qualify twice in a row. The NFF can not continue to administer our football with same corrupt mindset and expect a different result. I just came across a transfer news involving Remo Stars FC captain Nduka Junior transfer to Iraq that also captained the disgraceful talentless Home Base’s Eagles to Chan and I’m so upset . It’s obvious the sole purpose of NFF and its cohosts is to use our national teams to market average players while the real talents are left to waste on the streets. Imagine Tanimu or what’s his name again that Finidi George abi Eguavoen invited to the super eagles for our World Cup qualifiers. They use our national teams to market average players and sell them to dead rubber leagues while deprive the talented players the opportunity to showcase their talents and leave them to waste on the streets.Just imagine a Nigerian player going to Iraq to play soccer ? This is the same reason why we are struggling to qualify for the World Cup now because they knew the right thing to do but instead they were using the super eagle to market their average players. How come all of a sudden they could select the best players amongst them to play these two make or mar World Cup qualifies? NFF administrators are the bane of our predicament and should all be kicked out of the football glass house in Abuja asap.
Why in the world would we need a win at all cost and still play two DM plus Moses, that is seven defenders?
Why cant we play Uche or Onyedika instead of Onyeka, and Chukwueze instead of Moses?
Why cant we be intentional in our attacking?
If we score two first half goals , the SA will be forced to come out and we can now score more on the counter.
What are we afraid of?
And Why are we afraid of SA?