South Africa vs Nigeria: 2026 World Cup Qualifier Preview, Kick-off Time, TV & Squad News

 

⚽🔥 Big one in Bloemfontein!

South Africa 🇿🇦 host Nigeria 🇳🇬 in a do-or-die 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

📍 Free State Stadium

🕕 Kick-off: 18:00

📺 Full TV & squad details below 👇

South Africa and Nigeria meet on Tuesday in Bloemfontein in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that could decide their future in the competition. The clash takes place at Free State Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 local time. The stakes could not be higher for either side. South Africa know that victory, combined with Benin dropping points against Lesotho, would secure them qualification for the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Nigeria, on the other hand, are under even more pressure, as defeat would end their hopes of making it to the global showpiece.

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Bafana Bafana have been in good form under coach Hugo Broos. Their latest outing ended in a comfortable 3-0 win against Lesotho, making it five victories in their seven Group C matches so far. Broos’ squad has one change, with Thabiso Monyane replacing injured right-back Nyiko Mobbie. It remains uncertain whether defender Thabo Moloisane will feature.

Nigeria enter the game after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda but will be missing their star striker Victor Osimhen, who picked up an injury in that match. Tolu Arokodare is expected to fill his role up front as the Super Eagles aim to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The meeting between South Africa and Nigeria is one of the biggest in African football, with plenty of history and tension attached. In their head-to-head record, both sides have one victory each in regulation time, with several matches ending in draws. Their most recent clash was in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, where Nigeria advanced after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. That memory will still be fresh for South African fans and players, adding extra motivation to Tuesday’s game.

South Africa’s probable starting eleven features Ronwen Williams in goal, with defenders Monyane, Modiba, Ngezana, and Mbokazi forming the back line. The midfield is expected to include Mbatha, Mokoena, and Mbule, while Appollis and Nkota will provide support for forward Lyle Foster. This balanced line-up reflects Broos’ intent to maintain solidity while also threatening in attack.

For Nigeria, Stanley Nwabali is set to start in goal, supported by defenders Ola Aina, Fredrick, Bassey, and Onyemaechi. The midfield will likely feature Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi, while Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman will flank Arokodare in attack. Without Osimhen, the Super Eagles will need collective creativity and discipline to get the result they desperately need.

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