South Africa v Nigeria | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | Tuesday, September 9 | 17:00 KO
Odds: South Africa – 2.58 | Draw – 3.05 | Nigeria – 3.00
The Super Eagles head to Bloemfontein for what could be a decisive World Cup qualifier against group leaders South Africa. Both nations are desperate for points in Group C, with Bafana Bafana aiming to edge closer to a first World Cup appearance since 2010, while Nigeria are fighting to stay in the race.
With Victor Osimhen ruled out due to injury, the spotlight falls on Tolu Arokodare to deliver up front. South Africa come into this clash after a convincing 3-0 win over Lesotho, while Nigeria edged Rwanda 1-0 thanks to Arokodare’s goal. With so much on the line, this is shaping up to be one of the most tense encounters of the qualifiers so far.
Match Preview
This fixture carries plenty of history and plenty of tension. Nigeria have dominated South Africa in competitive fixtures over the years, but Bafana Bafana’s recent home form makes them tough to beat. They’ve won all three of their home qualifiers so far, while Nigeria have managed just two wins in seven games.
The last five meetings between these sides have ended in four 1-1 draws, showing just how closely matched they are. Both teams are defensively strong, rarely concede more than once, and often cancel each other out in midfield.
With South Africa leading Group C and Nigeria trailing by six points, this game is critical. Defeat would almost certainly end Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification, while a draw could still leave the door open heading into the final two fixtures.
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Betting Tips
Nigeria to win 1X2 1UP – Odds 1.99
The Super Eagles have scored the opening goal in each of their last four World Cup qualifiers. However, that hasn’t always led to victory – as seen in their 2-1 loss to Benin after taking the lead, or the 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe after conceding late. Still, Nigeria often start strong, and this looks a solid option.
This fixture has a history of ending in stalemates. In fact, four of the last five clashes between the two nations have finished 1-1, with the only exception being the 2019 AFCON quarter-final where Nigeria edged through 2-1 with a late William Troost-Ekong winner. With both sides evenly matched again, another 1-1 looks very possible.
Draw and Under 4.5 Goals – Odds 2.82
If you want a safer play than the exact scoreline, the combination of a draw and under 4.5 goals could be the way to go. Both teams are solid defensively, and none of their last six head-to-heads have featured more than three goals.
Tolu Arokodare to Score Anytime – Odds 4.00
With Victor Osimhen sidelined, all eyes turn to Tolu Arokodare. The new Wolves striker scored the winner against Rwanda last time out and is expected to start in Bloemfontein. At 6’6”, he’s a major aerial threat and could be Nigeria’s best chance of a goal.
? Huge blow for the Super Eagles…
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Victor Osimhen will not travel with the squad to face South Africa tomorrow after his injury in the Rwanda game ??? pic.twitter.com/U2UfrAyCdY
Both Teams to Score (GG) – Odds 2.05
Both South Africa and Nigeria have enough attacking quality to get on the scoresheet, but both also concede. Six of the last seven head-to-heads have seen both teams score, so this could be another repeat of that trend.
The Super Eagles face a huge test against South Africa – and you can bet on all the action with Bet9ja. Get involved here!
1 Comment
by Francis Akpan
South Africa to win this one very easy. Two sure odds