South Africa’s Bafana Bafana welcome Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Bloemfontein on Tuesday in a high stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that could make or break the visitors’ hopes of reaching the finals in the United States Canada and Mexico.
Uncertainty Over Group Standings
The build up to this clash has been clouded by uncertainty. FIFA is yet to confirm whether South Africa will be docked three points for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March. Should a deduction be enforced the complexion of Group C could change significantly. For now though South Africa sit firmly in control of the standings.
Nigeria’s Margin for Error is Gone
The Super Eagles enter matchday seven with 10 points from a possible 21. Four frustrating draws and a costly 2-1 defeat to Benin in June have left them trailing South Africa by six points. With only two matches remaining anything less than a victory in Bloemfontein will almost certainly end Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification.
Even finishing second may not be enough. At present Benin occupy second place with 11 points but that tally falls well short of other strong runners up such as Gabon on 18 points and Senegal and Cameroon on 15 each.
Bafana Bafana Strong on Home Soil
South Africa’s confidence is boosted by an unbeaten home record in qualifying. Hugo Broos’s side have beaten Benin 2-1 Zimbabwe 3-1 and Lesotho 3-0 in Bloemfontein. The last time they lost to Nigeria at home was in a friendly in August 2013 and their last competitive home defeat to the Super Eagles came back in September 2008.
Since then the rivalry has been tight. Three of the last four meetings ended 1-1 while Nigeria edged the other in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarter final with an 89th minute William Troost Ekong strike. At the 2023 AFCON semi final the Super Eagles triumphed on penalties after yet another 1-1 draw.
Team News and Key Battles
South Africa may be forced into changes in defence after injuries to Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Brendon Moloisane against Lesotho. Up front Burnley striker Lyle Foster is in form having scored and assisted in the 3-0 win and will look to trouble Nigeria’s backline again.
Nigeria suffered a major blow with the loss of star striker Victor Osimhen who limped off injured in the win over Rwanda. Coach Eric Chelle must now choose between new Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare who scored the decisive goal in that match and Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers.
There are also questions in midfield after Frank Onyeka was replaced at half time against Rwanda. Options for Chelle include Fisayo Dele Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika in the diamond setup.
Broos’s Impressive Streak
Under Hugo Broos Bafana Bafana are unbeaten in 16 matches across competitive fixtures since the Africa Cup of Nations. That run has established them as one of the most consistent teams on the continent and a favourite to book their first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Prediction
Given the history between these sides and Nigeria’s urgent need for points another close battle is expected. With South Africa’s home form and Nigeria’s struggles in front of goal a draw looks the most likely outcome.
Prediction: South Africa 1 v 1 Nigeria
