Nigeria vs South Africa, head-to-head, expectation
South Africa
Fixture: Super Eagles (Nigeria) vs Bafana Bafana (South Africa)
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2025
Kickoff: 5:00 PM (Nigerian Time)
Venue: Free State Stadium, South Africa
The Pursuit to Join the World in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America
Nigeria and South Africa — are set for a heavyweight showdown in the must win for the Eagles of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
The Super Eagles, record three-time African champions, are eyeing a return to the World Cup after falling short in 2022. On the other side, reigning champions Bafana Bafana are determined to hold onto their home ground to get maximum points.
Road to the Matchday-8
Nigeria – Waking from slumber
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have not been impressed to command the respect they deserve in Group C of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Group Stage Results:
Lesotho 1-1 Nigeria
Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria
Nigeria 1-1 South Africa
Benin 2-1 Nigeria
Rwanda 0–2 Nigeria
Nigeria 1–1 Zimbabwe
Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda
Last Two Matches:
– Lesotho Vs Nigeria
– Nigeria Vs Benin
South Africa – Table Topper
Banyana Banyana’s journey to the top of Group C has been straightforward, and their resilience and experience have seen them through.
Group Stage Results:
South Africa 2-1 Benin
Rwanda 2-0 South Africa
Nigeria 1-1 South Africa
South Africa 3-1 Zimbabwe
South Africa 2–0 Lesotho
Benin 0-2 South Africa
Lesotho 0-3 South Africa
Last Two Matches
– South Africa Vs Rwanda
– Zimbabwe Vs South Africa
Head-to-Head Records : Last Five Matches
Nigeria Wins: 7
South Africa Wins: 1
Draw: 5
Notable Encounters:
2024 Semi-Final : South Africa 1(2)–1(4) Nigeria
2017 AFCON Qualifier: Nigeria 0–2 South Africa
While Nigeria has the upper hand historically, South Africa have enjoyed recent success, including their away draw in Uyo. This adds extra spice to an already intense fixture.
What’s at Stake ?
A place in the FIFA World Cup finals which will be hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America. For Nigeria, a win would be a statement of revival and close ranks in the pursuit of a single ticket. For South Africa, it’s a mission of “destiny in our hands”
Note, Nigeria has qualified for six of the last eight FIFA World Cups, missing only the 2006 and 2022 editions. They have reached the round of 16 on three occasions. Their first World Cup appearance was in the 1994 edition
Prediction & Expectations
This promises to be a closely contested tie. Nigeria’s form is getting a new shape after the win against Rwanda in Uyo, but South Africa’s run of form cannot be ignored.
Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM Nigerian time. Fans across Africa and beyond will be watching.
