South Africa has moved the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
This match is scheduled for September 9, and the victor is likely to secure the Group C spot for the African qualifying series for the 2026 World Cup.
The game will take place just days after Bafana Bafana competes against Lesotho in an away qualifier at the same location on September 5.
Currently, South Africa leads Group C with 13 points from five matches, ahead of Rwanda and Benin, who have eight points each, and Nigeria, which has seven.
However, Nigeria is awaiting FIFA’s ruling on the South Africa versus Lesotho match from March, where Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena.
Also Read: Customary Court Adjourns for Ruling in Lulu-Briggs Inheritance Dispute
If FIFA deducts three points from South Africa, as anticipated, the September 9 match will become critically important, as the winner could take the lead in the group heading into the final two matches.
The top teams from nine African groups will qualify for the inaugural 48-team World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the US, with the four best runners-up entering playoffs for an additional spot.
Last year, the Super Eagles managed to draw 1-1 with South Africa during their encounter in Uyo.
