In one of Africa’s most anticipated football clashes, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The critical encounter will take place on Tuesday at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, kicking off at 6 p.m. South African time (5 p.m. in Nigeria). This match is nothing short of a make-or-mar moment for both nations, with significant implications for their World Cup aspirations.

For South Africa, the game presents a golden opportunity to move within touching distance of their first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010. FIFA has indicated that South Africa could secure qualification if they defeat Nigeria, provided Benin fails to beat Lesotho in their concurrent fixture. Bafana Bafana currently lead Group C with 16 points, six points clear of Nigeria. However, a cloud hangs over South Africa’s potential qualification due to a protest filed by Lesotho. FIFA is reviewing claims that South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in March, despite him allegedly being suspended after accumulating two yellow cards. If found guilty, South Africa could face a three-point deduction and a 3-0 defeat overturned, which would drastically alter their standings.

Conversely, for Nigeria, this match is about survival. The three-time African champions currently sit third in Group C with 10 points, six behind the leaders, with only three games left to play. A defeat would almost certainly extinguish their hopes of direct qualification. The Super Eagles must secure a win to remain in the race, and even then, they would need to win all their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin, while hoping South Africa drops crucial points. Finishing second in the group may not guarantee a spot, as other groups could produce stronger runners-up.

Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been marked by inconsistency and instability. The Super Eagles have seen three coaches—José Peseiro, Finidi George, and now Eric Chelle—since the qualifiers began. Under the first two, the team struggled to record a win, with a string of draws and a loss, leaving them playing catch-up. Chelle, despite delivering back-to-back victories over Rwanda, still faces the daunting task of closing the gap on South Africa and Benin. South Africa, in contrast, has built significant momentum under coach Hugo Broos after a shaky start. His side has amassed 16 points from seven matches, winning all three of their home qualifiers so far, and demonstrated their attacking prowess and defensive solidity with a recent 3-0 demolition of Lesotho in an away fixture.

Historically, Nigeria has held the upper hand in clashes against South Africa. However, recent meetings suggest a fine margin, with four of their last five encounters, including the tense AFCON 2023 semi-final, ending in 1-1 draws. In nine recent competitive matchups, the Super Eagles have scored 10 goals and conceded nine, highlighting how evenly matched these sides have become. A notable record for Nigeria is that they have never lost a competitive game on South African soil, a fact they will aim to capitalize on.

Both teams face selection headaches ahead of the crucial clash. For South Africa, Coach Hugo Broos is expected to reshuffle his defense after Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Brendon Moloisane sustained injuries during the win over Lesotho. This opens the door for changes on the right side of Bafana Bafana’s backline. In attack, Burnley striker Lyle Foster remains the man to watch, having scored and assisted in the 3-0 victory against Lesotho, taking his tally to two goals and one assist in the qualifiers. The probable lineup for South Africa is: Williams; Monyane, Ndamane, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Appollis, Mbule, Nkota; Foster.

Nigeria will be without their talismanic star forward, Victor Osimhen, who limped off with a moderate ankle ligament sprain during the 1-0 win against Rwanda. Osimhen has since returned to Galatasaray for treatment, and his absence is a major blow for the Super Eagles, causing concern for his club manager, Okan Buruk, who admitted always being uneasy when Osimhen leaves for international duty. The timing of the injury also complicates Galatasaray’s packed September fixture list. In Osimhen’s absence, head coach Eric Chelle will rely on Tolu Arokodare, the new Wolverhampton Wanderers striker who scored the winning goal against Rwanda and was named Player of the Match, to lead the attack. Chelle faces a decision between Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers. Midfield questions also arise, with Frank Onyeka struggling against Rwanda, potentially paving the way for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru or Raphael Onyedika to step into a diamond setup. The probable lineup for Nigeria is: Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman; Simon, Arokodare.

Coaches from both sides shared their perspectives. Hugo Broos acknowledged Nigeria as a much stronger opponent than Lesotho, necessitating different tactical approaches. Eric Chelle, Nigeria’s head coach, urged his Super Eagles to remain focused and calm, avoiding being drawn into the Teboho Mokoena eligibility controversy, which he stated is FIFA's concern, not his. Chelle expressed confidence in the strength and depth of his squad despite Osimhen's absence, stating, “Osimhen is a big star. He’s a very good player. Like I said, I have a big group too. I have some big players with me, in my side. They are more than players for me. And for sure, I can tell you something, they want to play a great game here.” Fulham’s new signing Samuel Chukwueze and Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali echoed sentiments of respect for South Africa but strong belief in Nigeria’s ability to secure a positive result.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. South Africa aims to take a giant step towards ending 15 years of absence from football’s biggest stage. Nigeria, with their backs against the wall, understands that this match could define whether they remain contenders or become spectators at the next World Cup. The Super Eagles are more desperate, with no other clear pathway to qualification. The prediction leans towards a slim win for Nigeria, with a suggested scoreline of South Africa 1-2 Nigeria.