With only three games left in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles are six points behind Bafana Bafana, making this encounter a must-win if they want to keep their World Cup dream alive.
For Nigeria, even the most optimistic fans admit that topping Group C looks almost impossible at this stage. The Super Eagles have collected just 10 points from seven matches, largely due to too many draws—four in total—and a costly 2-1 defeat to Benin back in June 2024.
Their lack of cutting edge in front of goal has left them chasing South Africa, with no room left for mistakes. Defeat in Bloemfontein could end their hopes of automatic qualification. Even finishing second may not be enough, as only the four best runners-up across Africa will progress—and right now Nigeria’s 10 points fall well short of the likes of Gabon (18), Cameroon (15), Senegal (15), and Burkina Faso (14).
South Africa, on the other hand, are in a strong position. Hugo Broos’s side lead the group and boast a perfect home record in qualifying, having beaten Benin, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho with convincing scorelines. That run, combined with their six-point advantage over Nigeria, gives them every reason to be confident.
History also favors the hosts. South Africa have not lost a competitive home match against Nigeria since September 2008, and their last home defeat to the Super Eagles in any capacity came in a friendly back in 2013. Recent meetings between the two sides in South Africa have often ended in draws, further boosting Bafana Bafana’s belief that they can avoid defeat on Tuesday.
For South Africa, the stakes are just as high. Having not featured at the World Cup since hosting it in 2010, Broos’s men know that a win could push them even closer to sealing qualification for their first finals appearance since 2002.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
South Africa coach Hugo Broos could be forced into reshuffling his defense, with Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Brendon Moloisane both picking up injuries in the win over Lesotho. Mobbie lasted just six minutes before coming off, while Moloisane was withdrawn in the 53rd minute.
Up front, Lyle Foster was the star of that 3-0 victory, grabbing a goal and an assist to take his tally to two goals and one assist in the qualifiers. The Burnley striker will be eager to extend that run when he faces the Super Eagles.
For Nigeria, the absence of Victor Osimhen is a major blow. The Galatasaray forward limped off after just 35 minutes in the narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday, leaving the visitors without their most reliable goalscorer.
That setback puts coach Eric Chelle in a tricky spot. Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score the decisive goal against Rwanda, but the new Wolverhampton Wanderers striker faces competition from Cyriel Dessers for a starting spot against South Africa.
In midfield, Chelle also has a decision to make. Frank Onyeka struggled and was taken off at halftime in the last match, which could open the door for either Fisayo Dele-Bashiru or Raphael Onyedika to start in the Super Eagles’ diamond setup.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
South Africa possible starting lineup:
Williams; Mdunyelwa, Ndamane, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha; Nkota, Mbule, Appollis; Foster
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Aina, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Ndidi, Iwobi; Simon; Lookman, Arokodare
EXPERT PREDICTION
South Africa 1-1 Nigeria
