The South African Football Association has confirmed Bafana Bafana’s high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria will take place in Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium on September 9 — www.isagoal.com reports.
This game follows just four days after Bafana face Lesotho in another Group C fixture at the same venue, with both games scheduled for a 6pm kickoff, according to TimesLIVE.
South Africa currently lead Group C with 13 points from five matches, holding a strong position over Rwanda and Benin on eight, while Nigeria trail with seven.
The stakes are higher than ever, as only the group winners earn direct qualification, and the four best second-place teams across all groups will enter playoffs.
South Africa’s last match against Nigeria ended in a 1-1 draw in Uyo back in June, a result that deepened the Super Eagles’ rocky campaign start.
Ticket sales begin on August 2 at the stadium for R70 (adults) and R40 (children), with later phases raising prices to R100 and R150 through outlets like Ticketpro and Spar.
The Free State Stadium is set for back-to-back fixtures, hosting both qualifiers in a tight September window that could decide the group standings.
Lesotho’s ticketing process is yet to be detailed, though the match is being labeled an “away” fixture despite sharing the venue.
FIFA has not yet ruled on possible sanctions involving Teboho Mokoena’s ineligibility in Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, a decision that could affect the current points table.
A quote from an SAFA official read: “Free State has always brought energy and passion; it was the natural choice for these crucial matches.”
Group C remains one of the more open groups in the African qualifiers, making every match in the final stretch vital for qualification hopes.
This article was updated 4 weeks ago