Bafana Bafana to face Nigeria on Tuesday night for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Image: The South African.
(The Post News)– Bafana Bafana face the Super Eagles on Tuesday for FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. A love-hate relationship between South Africans and Nigerians, and on Tuesday, the showdown will bring a clash between the two countries.
What Happens If FIFA Rules Against Bafana Bafana?
FIFA has not yet confirmed whether Bafana Bafana will lose three points for using the suspended Teboho Mokoena in their March 2-0 victory over Lesotho. Should FIFA rule against South Africa, Lesotho would be awarded the victory, leaving Hugo Broos’ side under renewed pressure.
As it stands, Bafana tops Group C with 16 points from seven games. Nigeria is third with 10 points, and Tuesday’s result could be decisive. Nigeria is third out of six teams with 10 points, so if they beat Bafana in Bloemfontein, they can move within three of the leaders. A further three-point deduction for Hugo Broos’ men would then leave the two age-old rivals level on points.
South Africa will be banking on the strength of their starting XI, particularly their attacking flair down the left. According to analysts, they were especially formidable down the left flank, where many of their attacks were started by left-back Aubrey Modiba. The predicted lineup includes Ronwen Williams in goal, a backline marshalled by Modiba, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Zuko Mdunyelwa, with Lyle Foster leading the front line.
Nigeria strike’s Osimhen out
Nigeria, meanwhile, faces its challenges. Star striker Victor Osimhen looks set to miss the encounter due to a shin injury. Victor Osimhen looks likely to miss this crucial fixture. But Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare has stepped up in his absence, scoring the winner in Nigeria’s recent 1-0 victory over Rwanda. In a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo, the Super Eagles lacked conviction, but new Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare scored a vital goal off the bench to keep Éric Chelle’s team in the game.
With both nations locked in a tense qualification race, Tuesday’s clash promises drama on and off the pitch. Whether South Africa’s group-leading advantage will hold or be undone by a FIFA ruling remains the burning question.
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