South Africa vs Nigeria will be the most-watched game at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when both sides face each other in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The last time both sides met was at the ame is important for both sides met was at the semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with the West Africa giants emerging as winners on penalties. Both teams are on different ends in the group. South Africa currently tops the group with 16 points while Nigeria occupy third place with 10 points.
There is a possibility that the points deduction could be reduced to three points. However, there is no official word from FIFA yet regarding whether or not Bafana Bafana will be docked three points for fielding the suspended Teboho Mokoena in the 2-0 win over Lesotho in March. As a result, there is still some degree of uncertainty regarding the true status of the group.
The first-placed teams from the nine groups will secure automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the USA, Mexico and Canada, while the best four teams that finish in second place will face each other in a knockout phase.
Recent form
South Africa are high on confidence following their 3-0 victory over Lesotho while the Super Eagles struggled to beat Rwanda in Uyo.
Head-to-head ( South Africa vs Nigeria)
Both teams have met 17 times, with Nigeria winning 8, drawing 7, and losing just 2. Nigeria have scored 27 while South Africa has scored 12.
Team news
Nigeria will be without two of its key players in Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali. The Galatasaray forward did not travel with the squad to South Africa while the goalkeeper was sent off in the game against Rwanda.
South Africa are not without any major absentee ahead of the game.
Where to watch South Africa vs Nigeria:
The game will be live on SuperSport.
Prediction: The game is a must-win for both sides; however, Nigeria will leave South Africa with a narrow win.
Key details:
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
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