South Africa vs Nigeria Predictions - Bafana Bafana poised for another step towards World Cup qualification

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 08 Sep 2025

John Eastwood 08 Sep 2025

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South Africa top Group C, 5 points clear.
Hosts have solid defensive record (1 goal conceded in 7 games).
Nigeria are unbeaten in last 8 matches, 3rd in group, need points.
Previous meeting ended 1-1.
Predicted result: Draw likely, both sides strong.

Nigeria are unbeaten in their last 8 matches (excluding CHAN). (Getty Images)

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South Africa vs Nigeria Predictions

There are high stakes on this game for both sides but more so for the visitors. South Africa have only conceded one goal in their last seven matches (when you discount all COSAFA Cup and CHAN matches). The reason is simple – both tournaments were played with second-string and U20 players.

South Africa vs Nigeria Predictions
Head to Head
South Africa Form
Nigeria Form

I am backing Nigeria to get a draw in South Africa, though. Both teams will be eager to win but the hosts will settle for a point.

South Africa have won 5 of their 7 World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa have won 6 of their last 7 matches to nil (excluding CHAN).
South Africa have conceded 1 goal in their last 7 matches.
Nigeria are unbeaten in their last 8 matches (excluding CHAN).

Head to Head

Nigeria managed a 1-1 draw at home to South Africa earlier in the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

South Africa Form

South Africa are five points clear at the top of Group C and six points clear of Nigeria. With three games left to play, a victory here could see the hosts all but secure World Cup qualification.

Defeat, however, brings Nigeria and Benin right back into the equation, so Bafana Bafana will have to be careful. Their recent form, particularly at home has been outstanding, so this is a huge task for Nigeria.

Last week, South Africa eased past Lesotho 3-0. Mohau Nkotoa gave them an early lead before second half goals from Lyle Forster and Oswin Appollis secured the points.

Nigeria Form

Nigeria are under huge pressure in this qualifying campaign. As one of Africa’s most successful World Cup sides, they are currently third on the table, a point behind Benin and six points off South Africa.

The Super Eagles will need to get into second place to secure a playoff spot while victory against the hosts here could put them in a position to still win the group, although unlikely.

Last week, Nigeria took the first positive step towards qualification, defeating Rwanda 1-0 at home. That allowed them to leapfrog their opponents into third place.

Verdict

South Africa v Nigeria

Nigeria’s desperation in this game may be of plenty benefit. I can see them taking a point, although victory is what they really need.

Draw

Result

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1-1 Draw

Correct Score

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