Nigeria vs South Africa – African World Championship Qualification Prediction Match Details
Nigeria will host South Africa in the qualifying round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The Super Eagles are competing for a win that will see them sit in a provsonal first in Group C of the qualifying round.
Nigeria Preview & Form
Nigeria enters the qualifying round in mixed form, having won three of their last five matches while losing the other two. In their last match against Mali, the Super Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat in a friendly. Their new coach, George Finidi, will be hoping his team can secure its first win to guarantee progress to the 2026 World Cup qualification. The Super Eagles of Nigeria currently sit in third place in Group C of the qualification round with only two points, having played to a 1-1 draw against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. George Finidi anticipates that his team can earn all three points in the upcoming game, leading them to a provisional first position depending on the outcomes of other games. Notably, the Super Eagles have remained undefeated in their last three matches against South Africa, and they will aim to maintain this impressive streak.
South Africa Preview & Form
South Africa’s performance has been inconsistent since finishing third in the Africa Cup of Nations, where they defeated D.R. Congo on penalties. In their last two matches, they had back-to-back draws in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Algeria and Andorra. The team, also known as Bafana Bafana, aims to secure their second place in the qualification round in order to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since hosting it in 2010. South Africa’s odds are not in their favor, especially considering their recent defeat against the Super Eagles in the African Cup of Nations.
Nigeria vs South Africa Key Points
- Nigeria have scored at least one goal in four of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Nigeria have remained unbeaten in their last three encounters with South Africa.
- Both teams have scored in four of the last five encounters between the two teams.
- South Africa has scored at least one goal in three of their last five matches.
- South Africa were able to keep five clean sheets in seven matches at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Bafana Bafana has been unbeaten in their last two previous trips to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria vs South Africa Starting Lineups
Nigeria Predicted Lineup: S Nwabali (GK), C Ughelumba, W T-Ekong, S Ajayi, Z Sanusi, A Iwobi, F Onyeka, O Aina, A Lookman, S Chukwueze, and V Osimhen
South Africa Predicted Lineup: R Williams (GK), K Mudau, S Xulu, N Sibisi, A Modiba, T Mokoena, S Sithole, M Mayambela, T Zwane, T Morena, and E Makgopa
Nigeria vs South Africa Team News
Nigeria will be missing key player Victor Osimhen, who is out for four weeks due to injury. However, the team is welcoming back Victor Boniface, who was absent during the 2023 AFCON tournament. The new head coach, Finidi George, is looking to capitalize on Boniface’s return to bolster the squad.
Meanwhile, South Africa, under the leadership of head coach Hugo Broos, is determined to seek revenge for their AFCON semi-final exit. Bafana Bafana, currently in second place in Group C and one point ahead of Nigeria, will heavily rely on their star player, Percy Tau, to produce a strong performance.
Nigeria vs South Africa H2H Record
- Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
- Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
- South Africa 1-1 Nigeria
- Nigeria 0-2 South Africa
- South Africa 1-1 Nigeria
Nigeria vs South Africa Prediction Betting Tips
The Super Eagles are termed favorites to win when they turn up to face South Africa in their upcoming World Cup Qualifier clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. The Super Eagles know a win for them will propel them to the top of the Group C table, putting them in a strong position ahead of their next qualifier against the Benin Republic. Based on these, we predict a win for Nigeria, and the match result will see both teams score.
