South Africa Strengthen Group C Lead Ahead of Nigeria Showdown
Bafana Bafana extended their advantage at the top of Group C in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a composed performance in the Free State. Hugo Broos’s men were rarely troubled as they claimed three vital points to move onto 16 points, keeping their closest rivals at bay with two matches still to play.
South Africa’s Clinical Display in Bloemfontein
Bafana wasted no time asserting their authority, and it was Mohau Nkota who broke the deadlock after 15 minutes, calmly slotting home from Aubrey Modiba’s clever assist.
After half-time, Lyle Foster doubled the advantage on 63 minutes with a tidy low finish before turning provider moments later, setting up Oswin Appollis for a simple tap-in to seal the win.
Broos will be especially pleased with another clean sheet, with South Africa’s defence now conceding just five goals in seven qualifiers, underlining the team’s balance between attack and discipline.
Nigeria Keep Their Campaign Alive
Elsewhere, Nigeria ensured they remain in the hunt for qualification thanks to a narrow victory over Rwanda. Substitute Tolu Arokodare struck within minutes of his introduction to secure a much-needed three points for the Super Eagles.
That result moves Nigeria onto 10 points from six games, keeping them in touch with both South Africa (16) and Benin (11). With a game in hand, the Nigerians remain dangerous contenders as the race for Group C heats up. Rwanda, meanwhile, slipped back to eight points.
Group C Standings (after 7 matches)
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 5 | +8 | 16 |
| 2 | Benin | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 11 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 6 | +2 | 10 |
| 4 | Rwanda | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 8 |
| 5 | Lesotho | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 6 |
| 6 | Zimbabwe | 7 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 4 |
Qualification Scenarios
South Africa can clinch qualification in their next fixture if they defeat Nigeria and Benin fail to overcome Lesotho. With two matches left, the margin for error is slim, and the clash between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles could prove decisive.
Betting Insight – South Africa vs Nigeria
With so much riding on the outcome, expect a tense and tactical battle. Both teams boast solid defences and will be wary of overcommitting.
👉 Suggested Bet: South Africa vs Nigeria – Draw @ 2/1
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