South Africa vs Nigeria: Bafana Bafana Aim to Cement World Cup Lead Amid Uncertainty

Posted : 08 September 2025

Bafana Bafana are set to host Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with a home victory potentially ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of topping Group C in the CAF FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, uncertainty lingers over whether South Africa might face a retrospective three-point deduction for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win against Lesotho in March. FIFA has yet to confirm any ruling, leaving the true group standings unclear.

Currently, South Africa lead Group C with 16 points from seven matches, giving them a five-point advantage over second-placed Benin. Nigeria sits third with 10 points, meaning a win in Bloemfontein would bring them within three points of the leaders.

If South Africa were subsequently docked points, the race could tighten dramatically, potentially leaving Nigeria and Benin poised to benefit. Only the top team in the group will earn automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the four best second-placed sides across Africa will enter a knockout tournament for the inter-confederation playoffs.

South Africa enter this match on the back of a 3-0 home win against Lesotho, dominating particularly along the left flank where left-back Aubrey Modiba played a pivotal role in attack. Nigeria, meanwhile, scraped a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo, with Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare coming off the bench to score the decisive goal. The Super Eagles’ performance, however, raised concerns about their consistency.

Injuries could play a significant role in Tuesday’s clash. South Africa’s centre-back Thabo Moloisane suffered a head injury against Lesotho, and it remains unclear if he will feature against Nigeria. Right-back Nyiko Mobbie has been replaced by Thabiso Monyane in the squad. For Nigeria, star striker Victor Osimhen sustained a shin bruise against Rwanda and is expected to miss the encounter in Bloemfontein, potentially weakening the Super Eagles’ attacking options.

Expected lineups suggest a competitive match ahead. South Africa will likely field Ronwen Williams in goal, with a backline of Aubrey Modiba, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Zuko Mdunyelwa. In midfield, Thalente Mbatha and Teboho Mokoena are expected to start, while Lyle Foster leads the attack. Nigeria are likely to counter with Stan Nwabali in goal, a defensive line including Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, and Ola Aina, and an attacking trio featuring Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, with Tolu Arokodare spearheading the frontline.

Historically, clashes between South Africa and Nigeria have been closely contested. Three of the last four encounters ended in 1-1 draws, with the exception being a 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final victory for Nigeria. The Super Eagles also triumphed on penalties in the 2023 AFCON semi-finals after a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria’s hopes for qualification now hinge on victories in all remaining matches, a task complicated by Osimhen’s absence. Nevertheless, Arokodare has emerged as a key alternative, displaying aerial strength, hold-up play, and the ability to link up with teammates effectively. His decisive goal against Rwanda showcased his ability to step up under pressure, giving Nigeria a fighting chance despite the setback.

For South Africa, victory would consolidate their lead in the group and bring them closer to automatic qualification. With Bafana Bafana performing confidently at home and Nigeria coping with key injuries, the Tuesday clash promises to be a pivotal encounter in Group C’s race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Match Details:

Date: Tuesday, September 9 | 18:00 CAT (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein

South Africa vs Nigeria: Bafana Bafana Aim to Cement World Cup Lead Amid Uncertainty

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