The 2026 World Cup qualifying game between South Africa and Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Tuesday is a make-or-mar encounter for both countries.
Today could be the day the slim hopes of the Super Eagles are completely crushed.
Eric Chelle’s men appear to have given themselves a chance to dream after they recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda last Saturday.
In a game where talisman Victor Osimhen limped off in the first half with an ankle injury, the team huffed and puffed against the Amavubis.
New Wolves striker, Tolu Arokodare, proved to the hero of the day, coming off the bench to score the only goal of the game.
Without Osimhen against the Bayana Bayana, the Eagles face an uphill task to keep their ambitions alive.
And it is instructive to note that nothing short of a win will be enough.
Nigeria are currently in third place with 10 points, six less than South Africa, with three matches left.
They have to win all their remaining fixtures to stand a chance.
All eyes will be on Chelle, who has pulled off a few decent results during his short stint. His diamond formation against Rwanda left the right wing unoccupied at times.
Chelle would probably need to revert to a more familiar 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation, so his players could be more comfortable.
For the hosts, it is very simple and straightforward.
Pending a potential points deduction from FIFA for the South Africans, a win in front of their fans will all but seal their place at next year’s World Cup.
