Nigeria’s fading hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup face a stern test when they clash with South Africa in a crucial Group C qualifier at the Toyota Stadium this evening.
The Super Eagles arrive in Bloemfontein under immense pressure, sitting third in the group with 10 points, six adrift of leaders Bafana Bafana. With just three games left to play, Eric Chelle’s side can ill afford another setback after a campaign that has been defined by too many draws and a costly defeat to Benin.
South Africa, meanwhile, are flying high under Hugo Broos. The 1996 African champions boast a perfect home record in this qualifying campaign, having beaten Benin, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho convincingly. That run has cemented their position at the summit and boosted belief that they can finally return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002.
For Nigeria, the absence of Victor Osimhen is a crushing blow. The Galatasaray striker limped off in Saturday’s narrow win over Rwanda and will play no part in this decisive encounter. His injury leaves the responsibility of leading the attack to Tolu Arokodare or Cyriel Dessers, both of whom face the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of the Super Eagles’ talisman.
Chelle must also weigh up midfield changes after Frank Onyeka’s ineffective outing at the weekend, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika both pushing for starting roles alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
South Africa also have injury concerns in defence, with Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Brendon Moloisane both ruled out, but their attacking confidence is buoyed by Burnley forward Lyle Foster. Foster was influential in the 3-0 win over Lesotho, and his movement will test Nigeria’s backline, which is likely to feature Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong.
History suggests this fixture will be fiercely contested. South Africa have not lost a competitive home match to Nigeria since 2008, and recent meetings have often ended in stalemates. Still, the stakes are higher than ever for the Super Eagles, whose path to qualification is narrowing with every matchday.
Victory for Bafana Bafana would move them closer to sealing a long-awaited return to the global stage, while defeat for Nigeria could effectively end their hopes of automatic qualification.
Kickoff Time: 5pm.
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