![South Africa Vs Nigeria Match Preview [WCQ DERBY]](https://www.mysportdab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-51-1.jpeg "images (51)")
South Africa and Nigeria renew their rivalry once again in their World Cup qualifiers match which is going down today.
Both national teams have been in fierce battle for decades which have produced so much entertainment for both fans.
Both countries have always have it good in football despite their differences. A clash between both countries have always been a massive showdown.
The Super Eagles still hold the upper hand against the Bafana Bafana, but recent meetings have always been a close one.
They play once again later today in what is a must win for both Nations if they want to book their ticket for the FIFA World Cup.
This match have a lot at stake with South Africa leading the group with 16 points while Nigeria stay in 3rd with 10 points.
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South Africa Vs Nigeria Match Preview
The rivalry between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bafana Bafana of South Africa has grown into one of Africa’s most intriguing football stories.
While Nigeria have traditionally held the upper hand, South Africa’s steady rise over the past decade has made their meetings fiercely contested.
The first official clash between the two nations came in October 1992, shortly after South Africa’s re-admission to international football.
Nigeria marked the occasion with a resounding 4–0 victory in a World Cup qualifier, immediately setting the tone for years to come.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Nigeria were virtually unbeatable against South Africa, claiming convincing wins in major tournaments.
A notable chapter was the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final that was played in Lagos in which the Super Eagles secured a 2–0 victory, booking their spot in the final.
Four years later at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia, Nigeria inflicted another heavy defeat, running out 4–0 winners in the group stage.
At this point, the record was overwhelmingly one-sided, with South Africa struggling to keep pace with their West African rivals.
Despite early struggles, South Africa began to show signs of resistance in the mid-2000s. In November 2004, they registered their first notable win with a 2–1 triumph in a friendly match.
While it carried no competitive stakes, it was a symbolic breakthrough against a team that had dominated them for over a decade.
The true shift came in June 2017, during the qualifiers for the 2019 AFCON. In Uyo, South Africa stunned Nigeria with a 2–0 away victory, their first competitive win against the Super Eagles.
That result not only boosted their confidence but also signaled that the rivalry had evolved into a more balanced contest.
The late 2010s produced some of the most dramatic encounters. At the 2019 AFCON quarter-finals in Egypt, South Africa, fresh from eliminating hosts Egypt, met Nigeria in Cairo.
The Super Eagles edged a thrilling contest 2–1, with William Troost-Ekong scoring a late winner. Recent years have seen even more balanced outcomes.
Since 2015, most matches have ended in draws, showing how competitive the fixture has become. For instance, the 2024 AFCON semi-final in Ivory Coast finished 1–1 after extra time, before Nigeria prevailed 4–2 on penalties to reach the final.
Earlier that year, in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the sides played out another 1–1 draw in Uyo, reflecting South Africa’s growing resilience.
Now, it will be the return leg in which is happening later today in South Africa. The game will also decides both countries fate ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Head-to-Head Record
Across all competitions, the two nations have faced each other 13 times:
Nigeria wins: 6
South Africa wins: 2
Draws: 5
This tally includes World Cup qualifiers, AFCON fixtures, and friendlies. While Nigeria still boast the stronger record, South Africa’s progress ensures that each new meeting carries genuine unpredictability.
Lineup And Formation
Nigeria will be without their talismanic striker Victor Osimhen, injured during the Rwanda tie and ruled out of this match.
Osimhen absence significantly dampens the Super Eagles of Nigeria attacking threat despite other players being available.
Meanwhile, South Africa are dealing with injuries at right-back with Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Brendon Moloisane are sidelined, but they still have other replacement.
South Africa Possible XI (4-2-3-1)
Williams (GK) — Mdunyelwa, Mbokazi, Ngezana, Modiba — Mokoena, Mbatha — Nkota, Mbule, Appollis — Foster.
Nigeria Possible XI (4-2-3-1)
Nwabali (GK) — Aina, Frederick Benjamin, Bassey, Onyemaechi — Ndidi, Dele-Bashiru — Lookman, Iwobi, Simon — Arokodare.
Kickoff Time And Location
This match is expected to be a big one which will be played later today in the evening according to Nigeria time.
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM CAT / 4:00 PM GMT / 5:00 PM Nigerian time.
South Africa Vs Nigeria Predictions
This game isn’t an easy one to call as the competitiveness over the years have been very close between them.
Bafana Bafana have the home advantage which placed them in good position to get the needed three points.
However, the Super Eagles are known for always finding a way in difficult times which this one is a must win for them.
We are going with either a draw or the Bafana Bafana can take the needed three based on their home advantage.
South Africa 2-1 Nigeria
South Africa 1-1 Nigeria
South Africa 0-0 Nigeria
South Africa 0-1 Nigeria
Don’t forget the action will be coming from MySportDab later this evening with this big one which will decide what happens next for both national teams.
