Nigeria and South Africa last faced off in February in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations Semifinal encounter. After a 1-1 draw in normal time, Nigeria were victorious in penalties and advanced to the final, where they lost to hosts Ivory Coast.
South Africa have an opportunity to get their revenge on Friday when they head to Nigeria for a World Cup qualifier. Nigeria are still looking for their first win in World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, South Africa could go four points ahead of the Super Eagles with a win. In this Group C CAF match, we’ll go through the Nigeria vs South Africa odds.
Records: Nigeria (0-2-0), South Africa (1-0-1)
Date & Time:Friday, June 7th, 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
Stream: FIFA+
When these sides met in the Africa Cup of Nations Semifinal in February, William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria ahead with a 67th-minute penalty. South Africa won a penalty of their own and Teboho Mokoena converted in the 90th minute. In extra time, neither team found a breakthrough and the match went into penalties. Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali made two saves in the shootout as the Super Eagles won 4-2.
The pregame Nigeria vs South Africa odds listed a draw at +255 and South Africa +0.5, +1 hit at -105.
Heading into this 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Nigeria hold an 8-4-2 record vs. South Africa all-time. Nigeria have only lost once to the Bafana Bafana on home soil. While Nigeria hold the advantage in this series, South Africa have only lost in 90 minutes once in the last seven meetings. Five of those matches have finished in 90-minute draws.
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Finidi George, the former Nigeria national team winger, was named the Super Eagles’ coach in April. Jose Peseiro did an excellent job guiding Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations Final but he wasn’t interested in extending his contract. Now, George has to deal with some issues outside of his control.
For one, star striker Victor Osimhen is out injured and AFCON Player of the Tournament William Troost-Ekong didn’t make the squad due to fitness issues from a long-term injury. Wingback Ola Aina also made the AFCON Team of the Tournament but he’s also out. Eight players have also been unable to reach the team camp in Uyo because of the Nigerian labor strike happening at the moment.
All domestic flights are grounded at the moment. So, Atalanta’s Europa League Final hat trick hero Ademola Lookman has been unable to join camp along with key Nigeria players Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Semi Ajayi and Alex Iwobi. So, George’s preparation for his Nigeria national team debut has taken a big hit.
Zaidu Sanusi and Nathan Tella are other players who would have received playing time but are not in the squad this month. However, both Victor Boniface and Wilfried Ndidi missed the Africa Cup of Nations but they’re back from their injuries and in the squad. Stanley Nwabili also had a breakout AFCON in goal for Nigeria and he figures to remain the starter under George.
South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was voted the best goalkeeper of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He was the hero in two penalty shootouts for South Africa and he’s a veteran presence coach Hugo Broos can rely on. Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena also made the Team of the Tournament and he’s another key player for South Africa. Broos has also called up Orlando Pirates’ talented young midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng for the first time and he could be a potential x-factor.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster is also back in the fold after he missed the Africa Cup of Nations due to mental health reasons. South Africa last played in March, when they drew 1-1 vs. Andorra and 3-3 vs. Algeria. Broos played a reserve lineup vs Andorra but getting a result on Algerian soil is nothing to scoff at.
Attacking midfielder Themba Zwane scored twice vs. Algeria and Nigeria will be wary of his influence. South Africa seem to not be afraid of anyone they play these days and refuse to just sit back and defend vs. high-level opposition. There were certainly long stretches in February where South Africa outplayed Nigeria and Bafana Bafana could have a chance here.
The latest soccer betting odds price Nigeria as -205 favorites for Friday’s match but bettors may want to be cautious. Four Super Eagles players that started the Africa Cup of Nations Final are unavailable and they’ve had problems just putting together their squad to practice. Nigeria all still more likely to win when all’s said and done, but South Africa +1 at -110 odds may look like a good opportunity to some bettors.
Nigeria -1 also shows -110 odds and they certainly need a win after drawing their first two qualifiers last November. The Nigeria vs South Africa odds list South Africa as +575 underdogs, while a draw comes in at +270.
Over two goals for the match are at -120 and the Super Eagles have conceded in four straight matches. On the other end of the pitch, players like Lookman, Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze make Nigeria dangerous to play against. Still, it could take Nigeria some time to get going under George.
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