South Africa’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria will be a star-studded affair with a galaxy of top-class African talent on display at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein (live on SuperSport, 6pm CAT).
There are bound to be some thrilling matchups, and these will be the key ones to look out for:
MBOKAZI v AROKODARE
In the absence of injured Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s attack is likely to be led by the even more imposing Tola Arokodare, who got the winner in Uyo on Saturday against Rwanda. He is newly signed by Premier League club Wolves, who paid £24 million to Belgian club Genk for his services.
If ever the teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is going to get a test of his potential, then this is the one. It is a worrying prospect for South Africa, who are thin on centre-backs. Thabo Moloisane was injured on Friday against Lesotho but resumed training the next day, but there could be a replacement in for him amid a crisis at centre-back for Bafana.
Bongani, Stanton, Simphiwe and Lwazi share their memories of the South Africa 🆚 Nigeria rivalry.#SSFootball | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/CcMmoZCJO2
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 8, 2025
MOKOENA v NDIDI
Tebeho Mokoena will be the midfield kingpin for Bafana but might have to stifle his creativity and penchant for going forward looking for shooting opportunities because he faces a busy evening battling for possession with Wilfred Ndidi. Nigeria’s key defensive midfielder captained the side at the weekend as they beat Rwanda to keep alive their World Cup hopes, which is a measure of the esteem which he enjoys in the team. Ndidi also brings vast experience to the side and is still at Leicester City in England, hoping to return to the Premier League next season.
FOSTER v TROOST-EKONG
Dutch-born defender William Troost, who added the Ekong to his name after he got a call-up from Nigeria, which is the land of his father, is likely to be back for the Super Eagles after being on the bench on Saturday. He is the skipper of the side and has scored in the last two outings against Bafana but is not international class and therefore can be exploited.
Bafana’s lead attacker Lyle Foster, back in the Premier League with Burnley, got a confidence-boosting goal against Lesotho on Friday and is the new attacking lead for Bafana, taking over from the likes of Percy Tau and Evidence Makgopa. He showed quality, strength on the ball and made the best of the poor pitch conditions.