The stage is set for a must-win clash between Nigeria and South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The World Cup qualifier between both teams will take place at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.
The Super Eagles head to the game after beating Rwanda 1-0 in their last game, while the Bafana Bafana defeated Lesotho 3-0.
The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium last year.
NEWSUNPLUG reports that South Africa currently sit on top of Group C with 16 points from seven games, while Nigeria are in third position with 10 points from the same number of games, ahead of the likes of Rwanda, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Eric Chelle’s side are also behind second position Benin Republic who have 11 points from seven games.
But there have been calls for FIFA and CAF to deduct three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena in their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho earlier this year.
Recall that Mokoena featured against Lesotho in March despite picking up two yellow cards in previous qualifiers as Bafana Bafana won 2-0.
Lesotho eventually lodged an official protest, but FIFA are yet to announce their verdict regarding the situation.
Speaking on the development, Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Benin Republic national football team, urged FIFA and CAF to enforce the three-point deduction against South Africa which could affect Group C standings.
Also speaking, Sunday Oliseh, who is a member of FIFA’s Technical Group, hinted that “South Africa is in trouble” as FIFA and CAF could deduct three points from Hugo Broos’ men and award it to Lesotho.
NEWSUNPLUG reports that with three matches remaining to be played, the Super Eagles trail South Africa by six points going into the match-day eight fixture.
A three-point for Nigeria will keep their World Cup hope alive, while a win for South Africa will extend their lead at the top of Group C.
Nigeria will be without their top striker, Victor Osimhen, who sustained injury against Rwanda.
South Africa, meanwhile, will be without first team defenders, Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Brendon Moloisane after both were injured against Lesotho last Friday.
NEWSUNPLUG reports that Nigeria and South Africa are aware of the significance of Tuesday’s match.
A win for either team could be a decisive step towards 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Speaking with NEWSUNPLUG ahead of the encounter on Tuesday, Saheed Afolabi, who works at Clear TV, said the game is a must win for both teams in their quest to secure a 2026 World Cup ticket.
“The game between Nigeria and South Africa is a must win encounter for both sides on their journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup,” Afolabi told NEWSUNPLUG.
“Nigeria on one hand needs the win to cut the point gap between the Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles from six to three points, while South Africa also needs a win to extend their lead at the top of the table.
“The Super Eagles are capable of beating Bafana Bafana on their home soil but previous meetings between both sides recently always ended up in a draw.
“The last time Nigeria defeated South Africa was at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where the Eagles had to seal their place at the final of the Africa Continental showpiece through the lottery of penalty shootout.
“The Eagles are capable of winning their remaining matches but they can achieve this if they remain resolute and determined to get the job done in style,” he added.
