South Africa will host Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Tuesday in a pivotal clash that could determine the fate of the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF qualifiers.
A home victory for Bafana Bafana would seriously dent Nigeria’s chances of topping Group C—unless FIFA imposes a retrospective points deduction on South Africa.
The uncertainty stems from South Africa fielding suspended player Teboho Mokoena during their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.
FIFA has yet to confirm whether Bafana will lose three points, leaving the true standings in limbo.
Currently, South Africa lead the group with 16 points from seven matches, giving them a comfortable five-point advantage over second-placed Benin, with three matches remaining for each side.
Nigeria, third with 10 points, could cut the gap to three points with a win in Bloemfontein.
Should the Super Eagles also benefit from a potential points deduction against Bafana, they could find themselves level on points with the hosts, while Benin remain well-positioned to capitalize.
Only the group winner secures automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The four best runners-up across Africa advance to a playoff to determine the continent’s final representative. A loss in Bloemfontein could jeopardize Nigeria’s chances of direct qualification, and finishing second does not guarantee a spot among the four best runners-up.
Bafana Bafana enter the match on the back of a commanding 3-0 win over Lesotho at home, with Lyle Foster scoring and assisting once to strengthen his tally.
Their attack, especially down the left flank via Aubrey Modiba, looked particularly potent.
Meanwhile, Nigeria scraped a 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, with new Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Tolu Arokodare scoring off the bench to keep the Super Eagles’ hopes alive.
Injury concerns could force adjustments for both sides. South Africa may have to replace right-back Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Brendon Moloisane after injuries sustained against Lesotho.
Nigeria, on the other hand, will be without talisman Victor Osimhen, who was forced off after 35 minutes against Rwanda.
Coach Éric Chelle may opt for either Arokodare or Cyriel Dessers to fill the void, while midfield decisions remain uncertain between Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika.
Historically, South Africa have remained unbeaten against Nigeria in competitive fixtures on home soil since September 2008.
Nevertheless, they go into Tuesday’s clash as favourites, aiming to secure a place in the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002.
Predicted Lineups:
South Africa: Williams; Mdunyelwa, Ndamane, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha; Nkota, Mbule, Appollis; Foster
Nigeria: Nwabali; Aina, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Ndidi, Iwobi; Simon; Lookman, Arokodare
