Nigeria vs South Africa Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Published at :June 6, 2024 at 5:25 PM

Modified at :June 6, 2024 at 5:25 PM

The Super Eagles have dominated this fixture in recent matches.

Nigeria are languishing in the third spot in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers. The Super Eagles have played two matches so far against Lesotho in the opening match, which they drew 1-1, and followed it with a similar result against Zimbabwe.

They will now face South Africa and Benin in these qualifying matches to try and move up to the top position. The Super Eagles played two friendlies before this match. The first was against Ghana, which they won 2-1, and lost the second against Mali by 2-0.

South Africa currently find themselves in the second spot in Group C after collecting three points from the opening two matches. They opened their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign with a 2-1 win over Benin but suffered a loss in the second match against Rwanda.

They will now face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in these two matches before the next round of matches takes place in 2025. The visitors are unbeaten in the last eight matches and will be hoping to continue the run.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 8 June at 12:30 AM IST

Location: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium

Form:

Nigeria (in all competitions): L-W-L-D-W

South Africa (in all competitions): D-D-D-D-D

Player to Watch

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

Ademola Lookman had an incredible season with Atalanta winning the Europa League where he netted an incredible hat-trick for La Dea. He has made 45 appearances for Atalanta this completed season scoring 17 goals for the team while providing another nine assists.

So far Lookman has made 20 appearances for the Super Eagles scoring six goals. He has looked dangerous this season and will be hoping to make a similar impact with the national side.

Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

The South African shot-stopper Ronwen Williams had an outstanding campaign with the team as he helped them win the Bronze medal in the 2023 AFCON. He was a rock between the sticks for the team constantly guiding his defence as well as making crucial saves to keep them in the game.

Williams was the penalty hero for the national team against DR Congo, where he won the match for the team making an excellent save. He kept five clean sheets throughout the AFCON tournament which earned him a place in the AFCON team of the tournament as well.

Match Facts

Nigeria lost to Mali in the last match by 2-0
South Africa played a 3-3 draw against Algeria in the last match
Nigeria have won the previous two matches against South Africa

Nigeria vs South Africa: Betting tips and Odds

Tip 1: Nigeria to win this match – 4/9 with Sky Bet
Tip 2: Total goals under 3.5 – 1/5 with PADDYPOWER
Tip 3: Ademola Lookman to score the first goal – 6/1 with Bet365

Injury and Teams News

Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen for this match due to injury. Ahmed Musa, Kenneth Omeruo and Nathan Tella are the players who are also out of this World Cup qualifier match.

South Africa on their part will miss Grant Kekana after he suffered a hamstring injury. The rest of the players will be available.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches: 8

Nigeria: 2

South Africa: 1

Draw: 5

Predicted Lineup for Nigeria vs South Africa

Nigeria Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Nwabali (GK); Osayi-Samuek, Ajayi, Tanimu, Bassey; Ndidi, Onyedika; Lookman, Iwobi, Chukwueze; Boniface

South Africa Predicted lineup (4-2-2-1-1):

Williams (GK); Mobbie, Mvala, Ngezana, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Tau, Zwane; Appollis; Rayners

Match Prediction for Nigeria vs South Africa

Nigeria have been the better team between these two in recent encounters. South Africa on their part are unbeaten in their last five matches and will look to pose a serious threat. We expect a close match with Nigeria winning the tie.

Prediction: Nigeria 1-0 South Africa

Telecast for Nigeria vs South Africa

India: FanCode

UK: ESPN

US: FOX Sports App

Nigeria: FIFA+

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