South Africa's Bafana Bafana will host Nigeria's Super Eagles in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, Socccernet.ng reports.
This clash carries huge weight in Group C, with South Africa sitting on top with 16 points, while Nigeria trail in third with 10 points, desperately needing a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
All eyes were on Victor Osimhen, but the Galatasaray striker has been ruled out after suffering a shin injury against Rwanda. His absence leaves Nigeria searching for inspiration in attack, with the likes of Tolu Arokodare—who scored the match-winning goal against Rwanda on Saturday—Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze expected to step up.
The Southern Africans, however, are not without their own problems—injuries to key defenders have forced coach Hugo Broos into reshuffling his backline, though he insists his team is ready.
The build-up has not been short of drama, with Broos slamming the pitch conditions in Bloemfontein and FIFA’s silence still hanging over the eligibility scandal involving midfielder Teboho Mokoena. But when the whistle blows, none of that will matter.
South Africa vs Nigeria: Time of the game today
The World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria kicks off today at 17:00, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
A massive showdown in Bloemfontein is on the horizon! #Naija4theWin #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/r8WPTRnIYh
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 8, 2025
The Nigerian football fans will be glued to their television screens or supporting from the stadium as the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana battle for crucial Group C points.
Stay with us for live updates from Bloemfontein.
- William Troost-Ekong 25′
- Siyabonga Ngezana 18′
- Bathusi Aubaas 48′
- Cyriel Dessers 45′
- Ademola Lookman 18′
- Sopuruchukwu Onyemaechi 90′
- Summary
- Lineups
- Team Stats
South Africa
1
Williams
18
Mdunyelwa
21
Ngezana
14
Mbokazi
20
Kabini
4
Mokoena
15
Aubaas
23
Nkota
17
Mbule
7
Appollis
9
Foster
- Coach
-
Hugo Broos
0
- Substitutes
-
Sipho Chaine
16
-
Ricardo Goss
22
-
Thalente Mbatha
5
-
Aubrey Maphosa Modiba
6
-
Relebohile Mofokeng
10
-
Thabo Moloisane
3
-
Khulumani Ndamane
99
-
Kamogelo Sebelebele
8
-
Mduduzi Shabalala
11
-
Luke Le Roux
19
-
Thabiso Monyane
2
-
Iqraam Rayners
98
Nigeria
23
Nwabili
13
Fredrick
21
Bassey
5
Troost-Ekong
2
Aina
4
Ndidi
17
Iwobi
15
Simon
7
Lookman
19
Dessers
14
Dele-Bashiru
- Coach
-
Eric Chelle
0
- Substitutes
-
Adebayo Adeleye
1
-
Amas Obasogie
16
-
Tolu Arokodare
10
-
Chidozie Awaziem
6
-
Samuel Chukwueze
11
-
Felix Agu
22
-
Raphael Onyedika
20
-
Frank Onyeka
8
-
Sopuruchukwu Onyemaechi
3
-
Bright Osayi-Samuel
12
-
Christantus Uche
18
SOU
1
– 1
NIG
09/09/2025
SOU
1
– 1
NIG
07/06/2024
NIG
5
– 3
SOU
07/02/2024
