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