The Nigeria vs South Africa footballing rivalry extends beyond the pitch, historical and political tensions shape it.
During apartheid, Nigeria strongly supported South Africa’s liberation, providing the African National Congress (ANC) with military, financial, and diplomatic assistance.
However, relations deteriorated in 1995 when Nelson Mandela condemned Nigeria’s execution of activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, causing diplomatic tension.
Football reflected this rift at AFCON 1996, as defending champions Nigeria withdrew under military leader Sani Abacha’s orders. South Africa seized the opportunity, claiming their first and only AFCON title.
Since then, Nigeria have dominated, notably eliminating Bafana Bafana in 2000, 2019, and 2023. Their battles continue to shape one of Africa’s most compelling football rivalries.
Nigeria vs South Africa H2H
| Nigeria | South Africa | |
| Matches Played | 16 | 16 |
| Wins | 8 | 2 |
| Draws | 6 | 6 |
| Losses | 2 | 8 |
| Goals Scored | 20 | 10 |
| Goals Allowed | 10 | 20 |
| Goal Difference | +10 | -10 |
Nigeria vs South Africa latest score
Nigeria 1-1 South Africa [Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (46′) – Themba Zwane (29′)]
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Godswill Akpbaio Stadium
June 7, 2024
| Match Statistics | ||
| Possession | 57% | 43% |
| Shots on Goal | 5 | 4 |
| Shot Attempts | 15 | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 3 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 3 |
| Saves | 3 | 4 |
Nigeria dominated possession but struggled to break down a resilient South African defense. Both teams had near-equal opportunities, but crucial interventions from goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Ronwen Williams ensured the spoils were shared.
Nigeria vs South Africa lineups
Nigeria Starting XI
Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi (Raphael Onyedika 81’), Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Tanimu, Wilfred Ndidi (C), Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Alhassan Yusuf 61’), Kelechi Iheanacho (Samuel Chukwueze 67’), Paul Onuachu (Terem Moffi 80’), Ademola Lookman
South Africa Starting XI
Ronwen Williams, Mothobi Mvala, Siyabonga Ngezana, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Yaya Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Elias Mokwana (Oswin Appollis 71’), Percy Tau (Thapelo Morena 79’), Iqraam Rayners (Lyle Foster 71’), Themba Zwane (Bathusi Jurry Aubaas 88’)
Most recent results
| Nigeria Last 5 Games | South Africa Last 5 Games |
| Libya 0-3 Nigeria | Congo Republic 1-1 South Africa |
| Benin 1-1 Nigeria | Uganda 0-2 South Africa |
| Nigeria 1-2 Rwanda | South Africa 3-0 South Sudan |
| Rwanda 2-0 Nigeria | South Africa 2-0 Lesotho |
| Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe | Benin 0-2 South Africa |
Nigeria vs South Africa: Next match
The Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana will face off again in the return fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- Date: September 25, 2025 (tentative)
- Venue: Cape Town Stadium (TBD)
This encounter could be decisive in determining qualification, with both nations keen to secure a ticket to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Nigeria will be looking to improve on their away result, while South Africa aims to leverage home advantage in what promises to be a high-stakes clash.
