The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will host Nigeria vs South Africa on Friday 7 June. In this article, we'll provide the Super Eagles match time and probable lineups.
Where to watch Nigeria vs South Africa live
Kick-off time for Nigeria vs South Africa is 20:00 WAT. This 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game will be available on NTA Sports 24 and Supersport for fans who reside in Nigeria. Meanwhile, South Africans can catch all the action live on SABC Sport, and Supersport.
Probable Nigeria vs South Africa lineups
Nigeria coach Finidi George will not be able to call upon the services of Victor Osimhen, as the Napoli forward is sidelined for four to six weeks with a medium-grade biceps femoris lesion. Samuel Chukwueze is struggling with a thigh injury, and is questionable for this encounter.
On the other hand, Bafana Bafana will have to do without Grant Kekana, who had to leave the camp due to a hamstring injury. Ronwen Williams and Khuliso Mudau will face late fitness tests ahead of Friday's clash.
Nigeria
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali.
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Sodiq Ismail.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi.
Forwards: Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu.
South Africa
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams.
Defenders: Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Spephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas.
Forwards: Lyle Foster, Percy Tau, Themba Zwane.
Nigeria vs South Africa: The referee
Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat will officiate Friday's World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa. While the 38-year-old will officiate a Super Eagles game for the first time in his career, he was the referee in Bafana Bafana's 2-1 victory over Morocco last year, and the fourth official in their 0-0 draw with Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) earlier this year.
Quick stats
- Bafana Bafana have no losses in two previous trips to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
- However, they have a poor track record against the Super Eagles, with just two wins in 15 encounters.
- Hugo Broos’ troops are coming off back-to-back draws, with just one loss in their last eight games.
- 10 of Nigeria's last 12 games, and six of South Africa’s last six matches featured less than three goals.
Nigeria vs South Africa: Analysis of the match
There's a lot at stake here, as both teams are battling for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the time of publishing, South Africa are second on the group table with three points from a possible six, while the Super Eagles occupy the third position with two points.
While the Super Eagles have an 8-5-2 win-draw-loss record against Bafana Bafana, they failed to beat South Africa the last two times they visited this stadium.
Despite the absence of Victor Osimhen, Nigeria have an abundance of attacking talent, with players like Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu and Terem Moffi available for selection.
Both teams have been involved in a lot of low-scoring games in recent months, so we shouldn't expect a lot of goals in this encounter.
Nigeria vs South Africa: Head to head record
This will be the 16th meeting between Nigeria and South Africa. As we've already mentioned, the Super Eagles won eight of those meetings, with five draws and two losses.
The first Nigeria vs South Africa clash took place in October 1992, while their most recent encounter was at the AFCON earlier this year. Nigeria emerged victorious the last two times these teams met.
Nigeria vs South Africa prediction
Taking everything into account, we are fairly confident that Nigeria will reign supreme by a lone goal when all is said and done.
