THE road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to intensify as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana prepare to host Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a potentially group-defining World Cup qualifying match on Monday, September 9, 2025, at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The match, which is one of the most anticipated encounters in Africa’s Group C qualifying fixtures, is scheduled to kick off at 4pm GMT that is 5pm Nigerian time and 6pm in South Africa.
This was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by Ademola Olajire, the Head of Communications for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who described the tie as a “must-watch” for fans of African football.
The Toyota Stadium, formerly known as Vodacom Park and later Free State Stadium, is one of South Africa’s premier football venues.
Located in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa, the stadium boasts a 46,000-seat capacity and was a key venue during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, adding historical significance to the upcoming showdown.
This Matchday 8 fixture is not just another qualifier, it is a clash between two African football powerhouses who have enjoyed a long-standing rivalry marked by thrilling encounters and national pride.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, three-time African champions and regular World Cup participants, will be under pressure to secure all three points away from home in order to maintain their qualification hopes for the 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Group C remains highly competitive, with Nigeria, South Africa, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho all battling for the sole qualification slot.
Only the group winner will advance directly to the World Cup, making each match result crucial.
This match comes just three days after Nigeria is scheduled to host Rwanda’s Amavubi in Uyo on September 6, making it a make-or-break five-day stretch for the Super Eagles.
Victories in both matches would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s position on the table, while dropped points could prove costly.
The clash will also reignite memories of the semi-final thriller at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles edged Bafana Bafana on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
That emotionally charged contest not only underlined the fierce rivalry between both nations but also added a psychological dimension to their future encounters.
South Africa will be eager for revenge, while Nigeria will be looking to reassert dominance and reinforce belief in the team’s ability to qualify for its seventh FIFA World Cup appearance.
As the Super Eagles travel to Bloemfontein in September, all eyes will be on the green and white shirts that carry the hopes of over 200 million Nigerians.
The stakes are sky-high, and the message is clear: qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is non-negotiable.