South Africa vs Nigeria Preview: Line-ups, Predictions & Where to Watch

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South Africa vs Nigeria Preview: Line-ups, Predictions & Where to Watch

Bafana Bafana are determined to seal their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating Nigeria in Group C's qualifier to be staged at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday.

However, they will also have to rely on Lesotho to get something from Benin who are five points behind with three rounds to go.

The Super Eagles have no option but to beat their hosts to sustain their faint hopes of qualifyng for the global tournament to be held jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Recent Form & Head-to-Head record

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Coach Hugo Broos has gone 16 straight matches across all competitions, in regulation time, without tasting defeat. In Group C, they have managed five wins, a draw and a loss.

Nigeria have been blowing hot and cold in the qualifiers; in their pool, they have collected 10 points after two wins, four draws and a loss.

In the head-to-head record, the nations have met 13 times across all competitions; the Super Eagles have six wins and a loss. The remaining six matches have ended in draws.

What They Said

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“South Africa is a strong team. They have a good team as well. They are first in the group but we are Nigerians and we have a good team also. So, we can compete with them. By the grace of God I think we will win and get a good result here.

“The most important thing is for us to come here and win. We are really focused on that. We will be at the World Cup. It's 100 percent sure. We all just need all Nigerians' support. It's not one person rooting for us.

“But it's up to us to make it. I believe in this team. We have so many great talents. And we have to qualify. That's the most important thing – Samuel Chukwueze, Nigeria winger

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Lyle Foster – Picture courtesy of Facebook/Bafana Bafana – South Africa

“I don’t necessarily think there’s pressure on us. I think at the moment we are where we are in the group, and I think that’s the positive.

“I think the pressure is on the guys trying to get to us but that doesn’t mean we should take our foot off the gas or take our foot off the pedal.

“We should have the same mentality; keep steady, play game by game, stay humble, take the game as it comes. I don’t think there’s pressure, the pressure is on those trying to get to us. We’ve had a good start.

“The most thing try to push and make sure that we seal it – Lyle Foster, South Africa striker

Team News, and Starting XI

Thabiso Monyane Kaizer Chiefs
Image – Chiefs

Coach Hugo Broos will have to do without Nyiko Mobbie who is injured; Kaizer Chiefs star Thabiso Monyane has since replaced him. Thabo Moloisane is also a doubt.

Striker Lyle Foster played a vital role against Lesotho after scoring and assisting in a 3-0 win, explaining why he might start ahead of Iqraam Rayners.

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Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the game after sustaining an injury in the match against Rwanda.

The Super Eagles might opt to start with the in form Tolu Arokodare ahead of Cyriel Dessers.

South Africa Probable XI: Williams, Mdunyelwa, Ndamane, Mbokazi, Modiba, Mokoena, Mbatha, Nkota, Mbule, Appollis,Foster

Nigeria Probabel XI: Nwabali, Aina, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Onyedika, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon, Lookman, Arokodare

Where to Watch South Africa vs Nigeria

The game will be live on SuperSport and SABC Sport on Tuesday from 18.00 SAT.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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