This Friday night, African football giants Nigeria and South Africa will lock horns in a crucial CAF World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, MuSportDab Reports
The match comes four months after the teams battled to a draw in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, with Nigeria eventually triumphing in a penalty shootout.
Nigeria, currently fourth in Group C with two points from two games, are aiming for their seventh World Cup qualification. Under the guidance of Finidi George, who took over from Jose Peseiro earlier this year, the Super Eagles have been in decent form, despite a few key absences, including Napoli forward Victor Osimhen due to injury.
South Africa, on the other hand, have made significant strides in recent years. Following their third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations, they broke into the top-10-ranked teams in the CAF region, according to FIFA rankings. With three points from two games, they trail group leaders Rwanda by just one point.
The Bafana Bafana, managed by Hugo Broos, have been impressive defensively, conceding only three goals in seven AFCON matches earlier this year while keeping five clean sheets. They are aiming to reach the World Cup main draw for the fourth time in their history and their first since 2010 when they hosted the grand spectacle.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Nigeria’s possible starting lineup includes Nwabali, Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Tanimu, Bassey, Ndidi, Onyedika, Lookman, Iwobi, Chukwueze, and Boniface.
South Africa’s possible starting lineup includes Williams, Mobbie, Mvala, Ngezana, Modiba, Mokoena, Sithole, Tau, Zwane, Appollis, and Rayners.
With both teams eager to secure a win and boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, football fans can expect a fiercely contested match filled with exciting moments. The game will undoubtedly add another thrilling chapter to the storied rivalry between these two African football powerhouses.
