The Super Eagles of Nigeria are poised to come out all guns blazing when they face South Africa in today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, at 8 pm.

Following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, coupled with a poor start to their 2026 qualifiers campaign, with two draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, a victory against South Africa will be crucial to keep Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive. A task which now lies on the shoulders of the new head coach, Finidi George.

Speaking at the pre-match conference on June 6, 2024, Coach George expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ capacity, acknowledging that the World Cup is a different ball game from the Africa Cup of Nations, where his side got over the line in a nervy game against South Africa. The Nigerian Legend also emphasized the strong desire of the team to win and to qualify.

Coach George further addressed concerns about late arrivals and injuries, assuring spectators that every player has received adequate training and is ready, despite Samuel Chukwueze’s knock.

In South Africa’s camp, Coach Broos expressed readiness. He acknowledged Nigeria’s strength but emphasized that pressure is on the opposition, because of the home advantage.

He hammered on belief and confidence as key factors for South Africa, ahead of the clash, as he hinted that his side intends to get the victory without penalties being a decider even in regulation time, like the last encounter.

He also assured spectators that every player is 100% fit amidst injury concerns regarding Goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams.

Nigeria and South Africa have met 15 times, with Nigeria edging the Bafana Bafana with eight wins, five draws and two losses.

The most recent encounter was on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, when Nigeria and South Africa locked horns in the semi-final of the AFCON with Nigeria’s Captain, Troost- Ekong opening the scoring from the spot in regulation and South Africa’s Mokoena, equalising from the spot as well, to send the game to a penalty shootout where the Super Eagles emerged victorious, largely because of Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali’s prowess.

With both countries keen on finishing top of the table in group C which features Lesotho, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and the Benin Republic, and ultimately grabbing the World Cup tickets, it is what plays out by 8 pm today that would matter. Benin Republic’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in their third game of the group on Thursday, saw Nigeria drop from third to fourth in the group.

A win for Nigeria against Bafana Bafana will take them to the top of the table with five points, one point ahead of Rwanda, who have been at the top with four points since beating South Africa in their second game of the series.

Despite the absence of Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen due to injury, and injuries to defenders William Ekong (this year’s AFCON’s Man of the Competition), Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins and Zaidu Sanusi, Coach Finidi’s invited 23 are set to nab the qualifying ticket.

Wilfred Ndidi who missed out on the AFCON due to injury, earlier said the team would approach the game with the right mental fortitude.

“Nobody needs to tell us that we did not start the campaign well enough. The opportunity has arisen to take our fate in our hands and rise to strong contention in our pool. We will approach Friday’s encounter with the right mental fortitude.”