South Africa and Nigeria will lock horns at the Toyota Stadium on Tuesday, as the battle for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.
Both teams enter the fixture with contrasting fortunes. For South Africa, it is almost uhuru, as they have picked 16 points from seven group games and sit at the summit of the group, five points ahead of second-place Rwanda. So even a point will be enough for them.
On the other hand, the Super Eagles sit third in the group with 10 points and must beat the Bafana Bafana to even have a chance of qualifying
But amid all the tension in the build-up to the game, there have been questions about what actually happens if either side wins. So let's break it down.
South Africa
The Bafana Bafana currently sit at the top of Group C, five points above second-placed Benin Republic, who also play Lesotho later today.
Since South Africa sit at the summit of Group C with a five-point lead, they will still need results in other centers to go well for them.
For their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be confirmed today, they must beat Nigeria and hope that Lesotho defeat Benin or get a draw.
MATCH DAY
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Group C⚽️ South Africa vs Nigeria
9 September 2025
⏰️ 18h00
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
SABC Sport#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/BZCEafnR6B— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 9, 2025
If this happens, not other team in Group C will be able to reach them again with two games left and only six points up for grabs. South Africa would be on 19 points, while Benin would be on 11 (if they lose), or 12 (if they draw.
Nigeria
As it stands, the Super Eagles of Nigeria no longer have their fates in their hands. Even if they win all their remaining games by a 100 goals, they have to hope results in other centers go their way.
But to even stand any chance at all, they must defeat South Africa today. Then, they have to win their remaining two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe convincingly because of goals difference.
They also have to hope that South Africa lose three points at least to Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
But if that does not happen, they have to hope that South Africa get sanctioned for using Teboho Mokoena. Recall that the South African midfielder has been under the searchlight in recent weeks, following a a yellow card issue in March.
If the Bafana Bafana get punished, they will be ducked three points and three goals. If the Super Eagles garner as much points as possible, they will benefit.
