The showdown in Bloemfontein on Tuesday sees South Africa host Nigeria in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier. Bafana Bafana sit atop Group C but face the threat of a three-point FIFA deduction for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the campaign. Nigeria, trailing by six points, must seize this chance to reignite their qualification ambitions. Below is the betting preview and a prediction for this Group C clash.
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Betting Preview
Nigeria head into Tuesday’s clash with slim hopes of topping Group C. With just 10 points from seven games, four of them draws, they sit six behind leaders South Africa and one behind Benin. Their wastefulness in front of goal and a costly 2-1 loss to Benin have left them with no margin for error.
1.39
South Africa vs Nigeria
South Africa or draw
Double Chance
Odds are subject to change.
Bet Here
Bafana Bafana, meanwhile, are unbeaten at home in this campaign, with wins over Benin (2-1), Zimbabwe (3-1), and Lesotho (3-0). They last lost to Nigeria in South Africa back in 2013 (friendly), and not in a competitive fixture since 2008. That history, plus their strong home record, gives Hugo Broos’s men confidence to push for three points that could all but secure qualification.
1.48
South Africa vs Nigeria
Draw or nigeria
double chance
Odds are subject to change.
Bet Here
South Africa may shuffle their backline after injuries to Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane, but Lyle Foster is in form after a goal and assist against Lesotho. Nigeria’s task is further complicated by the absence of Victor Osimhen, leaving coach Finidi George to choose between Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers up front.
1.38
South Africa vs Nigeria
SOuth Africa or Nigeria
double chance
Odds are subject to change.
Bet Here
With South Africa in control and Nigeria under pressure, Bafana are favourites to extend their lead, while the Super Eagles risk slipping out of contention even for a playoff spot.
Recent Form & Stats
- South Africa are unbeaten in their last five matches, three wins and two draws, keeping three consecutive clean sheets.
- Nigeria have won only once in their last five outings and tend to concede late goals.
- Historically, in qualifiers, Nigeria have held the edge. Recent head-to-heads in World Cup qualifying see the Super Eagles unbeaten.
- Five of the last six encounters between the two have produced under 2.5 goals.
Best Bets & Prediction
Prediction: South Africa to win at 2.57.
Best Bet: South Africa or draw at 1.39.
Alternative Bet: Over 1.5 total goals at 1.48.
