Nigeria vs South Africa: Latest score, head-to-head, lineups, stats and next match

Published on by , updated on

The Nigeria vs South Africa footballing rivalry extends beyond the pitch, shaped by historical and political tensions.

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.

Nigeria vs South Africa: Latest score, head-to-head, lineups, stats and match time
Photo by IMAGO

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 

NigeriaSouth Africa
Matches Played1616
Wins82
Draws66
Losses28
Goals Scored2010
Goals Allowed1020
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
Possession57%43%
Shots on Goal54
Shot Attempts158
Yellow Cards13
Corner Kicks33
Saves34

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

ICONSPORTxIMAGO_1046190272
Photo by IMAGO

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

ICONSPORTxIMAGO_1046190268
Photo by IMAGO

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 GamesSouth Africa Last 5 Games
Rwanda 0-0 NigeriaSouth Sudan 2-3 South Africa
Nigeria 1-0 LibyaSouth Africa 5-0 Congo Republic
Libya 0-3 NigeriaCongo Republic 1-1 South Africa
Benin 1-1 NigeriaUganda 0-2 South Africa
Nigeria 1-2 RwandaSouth Africa 3 -0 South Sudan

Nigeria vs South Africa: Next match

Nigeria vs South Africa: Latest score, head-to-head, lineups, stats and match time
Photo by IMAGO

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 (tbc)

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.

<!-- Author Start -->Toyosi Afolayan<!-- Author End -->

Toyosi Afolayan

Sports Writer

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports.