The Super Eagles head into a crucial clash against South Africa under growing pressure after a run of uninspiring results that have dented hopes of a smooth World Cup qualifying campaign.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, coach and players have repeatedly stressed the need for urgency and discipline.
After seven matches, Bafana Bafana lead the Group C race to the tournament with 16 points, six ahead of Nigeria; just three games to end the series.
The West Africans need a win to keep their slim hopes of reaching the World Cup alive. They need a win or a draw in their last two games and hope that South Africa fail to earn all three points in one of their remaining matches.
Head to Head
South Africa (Win) – 1
Nigeria (Win) – 6
Draw – 6
Total – 13
When the Bafana Bafana came to Nigeria, it ended in a draw. The reverse fixture comes on the back of a three-game unbeaten home World Cup qualifier run for the South Africans.
On head-to-head, the Super Eagles have an edge and defeated their foes via penalties in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. At the 2019 AFCON, Nigeria also beat the 1996 continental champions.
Overall, the last three matches between these teams have all ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
Line Up
South Africa vs Nigeria — Starting XI
South Africa
Foster, 9
Appollis, 7
Mbule, 17
Nkoota, 23
Aubaas, 15
Mokoena, 4
Kabini, 20
Mbokazi, 14
Ngezana, 21
Mdunyelwa, 18
Williams, 1
Substitutions
Shabalala, 11
Moloisane, 3; Ndamane, 19; Sebelebele, 6; Mokokeng, 10; Modiba, 6; Rayners, 15; Chaine (G), 16; Le roux, 19; Coss (G), 22; Mbatha, 5; and Monyane, 2.
Nigeria
23 — NWABALI (GK)
2 — AINA
4 — NDIDI
EKONG (C)
7 — LOOKMAN
13 — FREDRICK
14 — DELE-BASHIRU
15 — SIMON
17 — IWOBI
19 — DESSERS
21 — BASSEY
Substitutes:
Adebayo · Onyeka · Awaziem · Arokodare · Chukwueze · Osayi-Uche · Onyemaechi · Obasogie · Agu · Nwadike
