It's a huge week in terms of South Africa's automatic qualifcation hopes for the 2026 World Cup as they prepare for Tuesday's clash with Nigeria in Bloemfontein
South Africa:
Bafana were comfortable 3-0 winners against Lesotho at this venue on Friday, strengthening their hand at the top of Group C courtesy of goals from Nkota in the first half and Foster and Appollis in the second. That was Bafana's fifth win in 7 qualifiers (alongside 1 draw and 1 defeat) and they remain 5 points clear of Benin at the top of standings with Nigeria a further point back in third with 3 more rounds of qualifiers to go. Bafana's only defeat in this group came in their second qualifier, 2-0 in Rwanda back in November 2023.
Nigeria:
Nigeria came through what was a must win game at home to Rwanda on Friday with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Arokodare early in the second half. That was only the second win of the qualifying campaign for the Super Eagles who have finished all square 4 times and their only defeat came in Benin (2-1) in June of last year.
Recent Head to Head:
When the teams met in Nigeria June 2024 it finished 1-1.
The previous meeting came in AFCON 2023 semi finals which also finished 1-1 with Nigeria coming out on top in the penalty shoot out.
The Betting:
At the time of writing Betway have South Africa at 1.55/1 to win the game, the draw is 1.95/1 and Nigeria are priced at 19/10
A game of 3 goals or more in total is 15/10 and it's 21/20 for both teams to score
Verdict
This Nigerian squad is packed with top names from the big leagues but they are making heavy weather of qualifying. A reminder that only the top team in the group books an automatic ticket to the 2026 finals with the runners up contesting the play offs but if Bafana can turn Nigeria over here they will be in touching distance of automatic qualification.
That's still a big ask though and it will require something special from Bafana. I take the view Nigeria will give this a real go in a bid to make up lost ground but I'm open minded about the outcome.
A goal range play of 2-3 in total will satisfy my interest
Bet: Goal Range 2-3 at even money with Betway
Note, odds are subject to change