Nigeria will travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa in a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, 9 September.
The match is scheduled for the 46,000-capacity Toyota Stadium, will kick off at 4pm GMT (5pm in Nigeria, 6pm in South Africa), according to FIFA’s Head of Qualifiers and International Matches, Gordon Savic.
The Super Eagles had drew 1-1 with the Bafana Bafana in the first leg played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo under former gaffer Finidi George.
Nigeria now under Eric Chelle, appointed earlier this year, has overseen five matches without defeat three wins and two draws.
Head of the Super Eagles Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: X
He began his tenure with a 2-0 away win against Rwanda in Nigeria’s first victory of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, followed by a 1-1 draw at home to Zimbabwe in Uyo after conceding a last-minute equaliser.
In the Unity Cup friendlies held in London, Chelle’s team impressed further, edging Ghana 2-1 and defeating Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
A 1-1 draw with Russia in Moscow maintained his unbeaten record in international friendlies.
READ MORE: dtigress-blow-past-rwanda-to-open-afrobasket-defence-in-style
Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, one win, four draws, and one defeat. South Africa lead the group with 13 points, while Rwanda sit second with eight.
Bafana Bafana of South Africa. Photo Credit: X
The September double-header begins with Nigeria hosting Rwanda on 6 September, before the Super Eagles head south three days later for a cracking encounter that could shape their qualification hopes.
Only the group winner will secure automatic passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
CHAN Preparations and Squad Announcement
Away from the senior team, Chelle who is also handling the home-based Super Eagleson Thursday named his final 23-man squad for the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off on 2 August across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The squad includes captain Junior Harrison Nduka, experienced forward Godwin Obaje, defender Sikiru Alimi, and goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena Ani.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Also selected are defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Stephen Mayo Egbe, midfielders Hadi Haruna and Alex Oyowah, and forwards Anas Yusuf, Ijoma Anthony, and Sikiru Alimi.
The team is currently in Zanzibar for a second-phase training camp and will play two friendly matches against the Zanzibar senior national team on 28 and 31 July as part of final preparations.
