South Africa vs Nigeria Prediction: Both sides are expected to score

South Africa vs Nigeria: Prediction and odds on the Match on 09 September 2025

South Africa will welcome Nigeria to the Free State Stadium in the much-anticipated clash of Group C on Tuesday. The last four games between the two sides ended with both sides finding the back of the net. Can this game follow suit? Below is a match preview and well-analyzed betting opportunities.

South Africa: form and statistics

South Africa remain a team to beat in Group C after their impressive run so far. They defeated Lesotho 3-0 in their last game, with goals from Mohau Nkota in the 15th minute, opening the scoring in the game. Lyle Foster extended the lead in the 63rd minute before Oswin Appollis made it 3-0 in the 67th minute. The Bafana Bafana remain unbeaten in five of their last six games and have been impressive in the World Cup qualifiers. They came to Uyo and picked a valuable one point on the Nigerian soil, and will want to get a win at the Free State Stadium to increase their chances of making it top of the group. They currently sit first in Group C with 16 points in seven games, scoring 13 goals and conceding five. With only three points left in the group, they are in the right position to pick the automatic ticket in the group.

South Africa: Team News and Lineup

The Bafana Bafana will be without Nyiko Mobbie in this clash. The 30-year-old defender only managed 6 minutes of action against Lesotho before being replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa. With this, Mdunyelwa is expected to be the only change in the lineup against Nigeria.

South Africa Expected Lineup

Williams; Mdunyelwa, Ndamane, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha; Nkota, Mbule, Appollis; Foster

👤 Head coach: Hugo Broos

Nigeria: form and statistics

Nigeria restored their hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Rwanda in their last game. Second-half substitute Tolu Arokodare scored the only goal of the game in the 51st minute. The Super Eagles will now need to secure maximum points against South Africa to increase their chances of making it to the World Cup. They sit third in Group C with ten points in seven games, scoring eight goals and conceding six. Nigeria will now need to win all their remaining three games and hope other results work in their favour to finish top of the group. They are also trusting FIFA to deduct three points and three goals from the points of South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Zimbabwe.

Nigeria: Team News and Lineup

Victor Osimhen was forced out of action in the 35th minute of the game against Rwanda due to an injury. He was replaced by Cyriel Dessers. The Galatasaray forward will be a huge miss for the Super Eagles, but fellow countryman Tolu Arokodare seems to possess the same aura as Osimhen, and I think he is going to start this game ahead of Dessers.

Nigeria Expected Lineup

Nwabali; Aina, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Ndidi, Iwobi; Simon; Lookman, Arokodare

👤 Head coach: Éric Chelle

South Africa vs Nigeria: head-to-head statistics

South Africa and Nigeria have met 17 times since 1992. South Africa won twice, Nigeria won eight times, and seven games ended in a draw. The last game between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw in Uyo, Nigeria.

South Africa vs Nigeria: Betting Tips & Odds

• Nigeria are unbeaten in their last five games away in South Africa. A win or draw for the Super Eagles is available at 1.48 odds on 1xBet;
• The last four games between the two sides ended with both sides finding the back of the net. This option is available at 2.25 on 1xBet;
• Nigeria are unbeaten in all their games under Eric Chelle. A win for the Super Eagles is available at 2.93 odds on 1xBet.

South Africa vs Nigeria match prediction, 09 September 2025

It is going to be a fight to the finish for both South Africa and Nigeria in this game. A win for the hosts will reduce the pressure of qualification, while a win for the visitors will boost their morale of qualification. With this, either side needs these points. However, despite the inconsistent form of the Nigerians, they have not lost in their last five games in South Africa. They have lost Victor Osimhen to injury, but the fine display of Tolu Arokodare against Rwanda shows that the Eagles have nothing to fear. So, I expect a win for the visitors to boost their World Cup hopes, and I don’t expect them to get it easily, and the hosts are expected to get on the scoreboard.

Our match prediction: Over 1.5 goals for a coefficient of 1.60 in the 1xBet bookmaker.

Our betting tip on the match: Both Teams to Score – No at a coefficient of 2.40 in the Betway bookmaker.

Our final betting tip on the match: A win for Nigeria at a coefficient of 3.00 in the Bet365 bookmaker.