When the Super Eagles of Nigeria lock horns with South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, it is not just rivalry at stake. A place in next year’s World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico will be on the line.
Nigeria’s rivalry with the Bafana Bafana has continued to produce drama, and this one is expected to follow a similar storyline. With the race for the 2026 World Cup nearing its climax, the match carries even more weight.
Super Eagles’ Poor Campaign
The Super Eagles are in a precarious situation heading into the game, having struggled in the earlier stages of the qualification race. After seven matches, South Africa lead the Group C race to the tournament with 16 points, six ahead of Nigeria; just three games to end the series.
The West Africans need a win to keep their slim hopes of reaching the World Cup alive. They need a win or a draw in their last two games and hope that South Africa fail to earn all three points in one of their remaining matches.
The Super Eagles’ chances could also be boosted if South Africa lose three points for fielding an ineligible player in a March 2025 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Heading into the game, Nigeria scraped through Rwanda in their last game on Saturday courtesy of a Tolu Arokodare’s strike, while South Africa trounced neighbours, Lesotho. Benin Republic are second on the log with eleven points, one ahead of Nigeria.
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South Africa Vs Nigeria: Head-to-Head Record
Team readiness
Osimhen’s absence
⚠️ FIFA’s silence on SAAll these and more were addressed at tonight’s presser ahead of our clash with South Africa.#SoarSuperEagles #Naija4thewin pic.twitter.com/aGbOXeCAdD
When the Bafana Bafana came to Nigeria, it ended in a draw. The reverse fixture comes on the back of a three-game unbeaten home World Cup qualifier run for the South Africans. On head-to-head, the Super Eagles have an edge and defeated their foes via penalties in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. At the 2019 AFCON, Nigeria also beat the 1996 continental champions.
Overall, the last three matches between these teams have all ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
Osimhen Injury Blow
2023 CAF Men’s POTY @victorosimhen9 https://t.co/U3Sbz5dJqQ pic.twitter.com/S9D2faSbv7
Going into Tuesday’s game without pointman Victor Osimhen is a huge blow for the Super Eagles. The Galatasaray forward limped off in the win against Rwanda and did not travel to South Africa for the match against Hugo Broos’ side. Apart from Osimhen, Nigeria have a full complement of players for the match.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be without right-back Nyiko Mobbie, who was injured. Thabiso Monyane was called up to take his place for the game.
South Africa vs Nigeria: Time, Other Match Details
Below are the details of the match between South Africa and Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, including time and venue:
Date: September 9, 2025
Kickoff time: 5:00 pm (WAT/Nigeria time).
Venue: Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
South Africa vs Nigeria: Who Emerges As Winner?
Source: Channels TV
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