All eyes will be on the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana battle Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Group C is finely poised, with South Africa topping the table on 16 points after dispatching Lesotho 3-0. Nigeria trail in third with 10 points, one behind Benin Republic, following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda.
For the Eagles, whose campaign has been marred by inconsistency—two wins from five games—this fixture is make-or-break. Hugo Broos’ men, meanwhile, enter the contest on a strong run, unbeaten in three straight home matches and winners of their last three qualifiers.
Nigeria’s preparations face further uncertainty as striker Victor Osimhen remains doubtful after sustaining a knock against Rwanda. Although the Eagles hold a narrow upper hand in recent meetings, with two victories in seven, South Africa have proven difficult opponents at home, avoiding defeat in their last three clashes—including a 1-1 draw in 2024.
Nigeria’s most recent away win over Bafana came at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Replicating that result on Tuesday would be a major boost to their fading qualification hopes.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time on September 9, 2025.
