Tensions are rising ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein, where South Africa hosts Nigeria in a Group C showdown that could shape the rest of Africa’s 2026 road. 

Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen, and the standings picture is tight,with a possible disciplinary twist still hanging over the group.

The match kicks off on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at 6:00 p.m. South Africa / 5:00 p.m. Nigeria, at Toyota (Free State) Stadium, Bloemfontein. The venue clearance and timing have been confirmed by South Africa’s FA and FIFA’s match listings.

Who’s in the Middle

Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon) will referee the fixture, with assistants from the same country. His appointment has been noted by multiple outlets in the build-up.

As it stands, South Africa leads Group C with 16 points, with Benin on 11, Nigeria on 10, and Rwanda on 8. Only the group winner qualifies directly; the four best runners-up enter a CAF play-off for a single inter-confederation slot.

However, there’s lingering uncertainty: FIFA has not issued a final ruling on allegations that South Africa fielded an ineligible player earlier in the campaign—a case that could carry a three-point deduction if sanctioned. For now, the points on the board stand, but the noise around the case underscores how slender the margins are in this group.

Nigeria’s top scorer Victor Osimhen is ruled out after a foot injury in the weekend win over Rwanda. His absence forces a rethink up front and puts added weight on creativity and set-pieces to create high-quality chances away from home.

Bafana’s Brief

At home, South Africa will fancy their pressing and wide rotations on a familiar surface. With the crowd behind them, Bafana can tilt the game in transitions—an area where Nigeria, minus Osimhen’s vertical threat, must be extra tidy between the lines.

Small Edges That Could Decide It

• Set plays: Both sides have leaned on dead balls in tight qualifiers; first contact in the box will matter.
• Bench impact: With a compressed window, fresh legs on 60–70 minutes could swing control.
• Game state management: If South Africa scores first, Nigeria will need a calm build-up and patience, not long balls, to avoid cheap turnovers.

How to Watch

Broadcasters across Africa are carrying the game, with SuperSport among the options; local free-to-air coverage in South Africa is also scheduled. Check listings in your region.