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The Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein will be in the spotlight on Tuesday when South Africa’s Bafana Bafana face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
With Group C heading into its final stretch, both sides are under intense pressure. South Africa is looking to cement their place at the top of the table, while Nigeria urgently needs a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Group standings
Bafana Bafana currently lead with 16 points, following a 3-0 win over Lesotho in their most recent match. Nigeria sits third on 10 points, just behind Benin Republic, who are second with 11. The Super Eagles managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Sunday to stay in contention.
Super Eagles under pressure
Nigeria’s shaky run of form—two wins in five games—makes this clash crucial. Complicating matters, Hugo Broos’ South Africa have built momentum with a three-game winning streak in the qualifiers and remain unbeaten in their last three home fixtures.
Injuries and key matchups
Victor Osimhen’s participation is still in doubt after the forward picked up a knock in the game against Rwanda.
In terms of head-to-head records, Nigeria hold a narrow advantage, winning two of their last seven encounters with South Africa. However, Bafana Bafana have proved resilient at home, avoiding defeat in their last three meetings with the Super Eagles—including a 1-1 draw earlier in 2024.
Rivalry
Nigeria’s most recent away victory over South Africa came during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Another win on Tuesday would significantly strengthen their chances of securing World Cup qualification.
Kickoff
The match is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport, SportyBet TV, and AfroSport.
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