With Group C reaching its climax, both Nigeria and South Africa are under pressure to get a result. Bafana Bafana aim to solidify their position at the top of the group, while the Super Eagles are desperate for a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Current standings South Africa lead the group on 16 points after sweeping aside Lesotho 3-0 in their last outing. Nigeria trails in third place with 10 points, just one shy of Benin Republic, who sit second. On Sunday, the Eagles narrowly edged Rwanda 1-0 to stay in the race. Eagles under pressure Nigeria’s inconsistent form—only two wins in five matches—means this tie could prove pivotal. Adding to the challenge, Hugo Broos’ South Africa are on a three-match unbeaten run at home and have won three qualifiers in a row. Injury updates and key battles The availability of Victor Osimhen remains uncertain after the striker suffered a knock against Rwanda. Historically, Nigeria hold a slight edge in the rivalry with two wins in their last seven meetings. Still, the South Africa team has been tough to beat on home soil, avoiding defeat in their last three games against the Eagles, including a 1-1 stalemate.
