Bafana vs Super Eagles: Group C Showdown Under FIFA Uncertainty
Bafana Bafana top Group C on 16 points, but FIFA could still dock them three for fielding suspended Teboho Mokoena vs Lesotho.Nigeria sit 3rd on 10 points. A win in Bloem could close the gap — and if FIFA rules against SA, the Super Eagles could be level.
South Africa host Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Tuesday in a crucial CAF 2026 World Cup qualifier, but uncertainty lingers over whether Bafana Bafana will face a points deduction for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March. FIFA has yet to confirm its stance.
As it stands, Bafana lead Group C with 16 points from seven matches, five clear of Benin. Nigeria sit third on 10 points, but a win would close the gap to three — and any retrospective penalty for South Africa could bring the Super Eagles level. Only the group winner qualifies automatically for the World Cup, while four best runners-up will contest a playoff for Africa’s final slot.
Bafana, unbeaten in 16 under Hugo Broos, are buoyed by a 3-0 win over Lesotho, with left-back Aubrey Modiba central to their attack. However, injuries to Thabo Moloisane and Nyiko Mobbie leave defensive gaps. Nigeria, meanwhile, edged Rwanda 1-0 thanks to Tolu Arokodare but face a blow as striker Victor Osimhen is sidelined after a shin injury.
The match kicks off at 18:00 CAT (16:00 GMT) at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, live on SuperSport and SABC 2.