BETTING TIPS: South Africa vs Nigeria Match Preview, Team News and Betting Guide
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 09.09.25. | 13:05
South Africa look to put daylight between them and Nigeria in the group.
South Africa hosts Nigeria in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier as the Bafana Bafana look to firm their stranglehold at the summit of Group C.
Having won five games, drawn one and lost only one, Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana side sit five points ahead of Benin and six in front of Nigeria.
South Africa has not lost in five World Cup qualifying games. The Bafana Bafana also have a good record at home, having won the last three qualifiers, scoring eight and conceding only two.
A form that has brought back hope among the Bafana Bafana fans as the team looks to qualify for their first major tournament since 2010.
The head-to-head favours South Africa, especially at home, having not lost to Nigeria at home since 2013.
The last three meetings between the two sides have ended in draws, with only one goalless stalemate being registered.
Building off improvements in the domestic league, which saw three clubs reach at least the semi-finals of the CAF inter-club competitions. Coach Broos has enjoyed the rise in the quality of his players.
Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns is arguably one of the best shot stoppers in Africa, providing confidence and a good base for South Africa.
Teenage Orlando Pirates defence sensation Mbekezile Mbokazi provides the much-needed youthful bite and exuberance in the backline, always flanked wide by the experienced and highly technical Aubrey Modiba
The key area for Hugo Broos in these qualifiers has been his midfield, where in Mamelodi Sundowns, Teboho Mokoena and Orlando Pirates Thalente Mbatha, he has world beaters in the double pivot.
Missing Themba Zwane, out due to injury, did not seem to affect South Africa against Lesotho, but in such a huge game, his presence would be impactful.
Lyle Foster had a goal and an assist against Lesotho and will be key for his side in unlocking the Nigerian defence line.
Coming off a much-needed 1-0 win against Rwanda, Nigeria heads to South Africa knowing that they have to win. Having won only two games, drawn four and lost one, there is little to no room for error.
This will be a mammoth task, noting that talisman Victor Osimhen is not available; thus, who plays will be interesting, with Toli Arokodare, who got the goal against Rwanda, widely tipped to start.
Hope will now rest on Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi to work towards ending the long winless streak in South Africa.
Key Pointers
South Africa has not lost in four matches in this competition
South Africa has not conceded in their last three World Cup qualification matches
South Africa has conceded in two of the last three home games
Two of the last three games between these teams have ended in scoring draws
Our prediction- South Africa to win or draw
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