The big game South Africa vs Nigeria is set to take center stage. The Super Eagles will be looking to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive when they lock horns with South Africa at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles have accrued 10 points from seven games in the series, with their last win coming against Rwanda last Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana sit pretty at the summit of the group, with 16 points from seven games.
So, there is a lot at stake, and both teams are expected to come out guns blazing to fight for a place in the United States of America next year.
There's is a lot of history between the two sides. And going into the game, Soccernet.ng reveals five really interesting things you didn't know about South Africa vs Nigeria.
South Africa vs Nigeria Will Be Played On A Rugby Pitch
The game between South Africa vs Nigeria will be played at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. This stadium used to be the home of Bloemfontein Celtics. But since 2021, the stadium has been home to South African rugby team Free State Cheetas permanently.
The game has been used for football games occasionally. But it's primary use is for rugby. You should not be surprised to see a few bumps on the pitch on Tuesday.
This begs the question: Despite all the great football stadiums in South Africa, was the Toyota Stadium chosen just to destabilize the Super Eagles?
The First South Africa vs Nigeria Game in Bloemfontein
This will be the first time time that the Bafana Bafana will be hosting the Super Eagles at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
In previous meetings, South Africa have either played in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, and Mbombela. But this visit to Bloemfontein is a first for the Super Eagles.
Uche: Why He Might Be South Africa's Green Kyrptonite
If you keep tabs with Superman, you should know that green kryptonite is his number one weakness.
Well, Superman or DC characters aren't really the bone of contention here － it is South Africa.
The last time Nigeria beat South Africa in a competitive game in South Africa was September 6, 2008. It was also a FIFA World Cup Qualifier.
The player who scored the winning goal was Ikechukwu Uche, who was on the books of Spanish club Getafe at the time.
Interestingly, going into South Africa vs Nigeria on Tuesday, Nigeria have Christantus Uche, who was a Getafe player until a week ago, when he joined Premier League club Crystal Palace.
Christantus Uche's ability to be a game-changer for the Super Eagles can't be questioned, for sure. But he didn't start against Rwanda, so he might not start on Tuesday.
It's been 17 years since the old Uche scored against South Africa. Perhaps, the new Uche could make history in the latest installment of South Africa vs Nigeria.
The Game Could End The Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup Hopes
Going into the game against the Bafana Bafana, the Super Eagles know it is do-or-die, win or bust. If they lose, it would definitely put paid to their hope of playing at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria currently sit third, and even a playoff spot seems unlikely due to the performance of other second-placed teams. So they are condemned to win.
Nigeria's Highest goalscorer will Be Missing
Nigeria's highest goalscorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers is Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen, who has three goals. Unfortunately, he'll be nowhere near Bloemfontein while South Africa vs Nigeria is going on.
Earlier, Soccernet.ng revealed that Osimhen had sustained an ankle injury and would not make it back in time. So, coach Chelle is left with Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers for the fixture.
Osimhen's absence is a big miss for Nigeria, but Chelle will be hoping that his lads deliver.
