5 Times Bafana Bafana Shocked Nigeria

As Bafana Bafana prepares to face Nigeria in a crucial World Cup qualifier, it's a perfect time to look back at five moments when the South African team defied expectations and stunned the Super Eagles. These are a few matches that remind us that anything is possible on the pitch.

• South Africa 0-0 Nigeria (1993)

After a long absence from international football due to apartheid, Bafana Bafana made their return to the World Cup qualifying stage in 1993. Facing a formidable Nigerian side at Soccer City in Johannesburg, they held their own, securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw. 

The match was a statement of South Africa's re-emergence in African football and showed their potential to compete with the continent's best. Nigeria had a goal disallowed for offside, which sparked protests from the players, but the score remained.

• South Africa 2-1 Nigeria (2004)

It took 11 years, but South Africa finally tasted victory against Nigeria. In the 2004 Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup, Bafana Bafana secured a memorable 2-1 win at Ellis Park Stadium. 

Goals from Shaun Bartlett and Benedict Vilakazi earned South Africa their first victory over the Super Eagles after four previous encounters resulted in three losses and a draw. This win was a significant milestone, proving that the Super Eagles were not invincible.

• Nigeria 2-2 South Africa (2014)

In a 2014 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, Bafana Bafana traveled to Nigeria and took an early two-goal lead thanks to a brace from Tokelo Rantie. While Nigeria fought back to draw 2-2 with two goals from Sone Aluko, the result was a bitter pill for the Super Eagles to swallow. 

The two points dropped ultimately denied the defending AFCON champions a place in the next tournament, thanks to South Africa's stunning performance.

• Nigeria 0-2 South Africa (2017)

Few gave South Africa a chance when they faced Nigeria in a 2017 AFCON qualifier in Uyo, but Bafana Bafana pulled off one of their biggest upsets ever. Goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau gave South Africa a commanding 2-0 victory, their first competitive win on Nigerian soil. It was a result that sent shockwaves across the continent and was a testament to Bafana Bafana's growing confidence and skill.

• Nigeria 1-1 South Africa – Nigeria won 4-2 on penalties (2024)

In their most recent encounter, the two teams met in the 2024 AFCON semifinal. The entire world watched as Bafana Bafana completely dominated the Super Eagles, creating numerous scoring opportunities and controlling the game from start to finish. 

They eventually drew 1-1, but the South African team's performance was a masterclass in possession and attacking football. Despite losing 4-2 on penalties, Bafana Bafana proved they were more than a match for Nigeria on the biggest stage of them all.