Overview

• South Africa top Group C and a home win could move them close to the automatic World Cup berth, while third-placed Nigeria need victory to keep first place within reach.
• FIFA is reviewing a claim that South Africa fielded an ineligible player earlier in qualifying, a potential points deduction that could reshape the group even if Bafana Bafana win.
• Kickoff is 6 p.m. local at Toyota/Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, with coverage available internationally including FIFA+ in multiple regions.
• South Africa’s XI features Lyle Foster up front and Teboho Mokoena in midfield, with significant changes in defense including Samukele Kabini at left-back and Mbekezeli Mbokazi the only back-line holdover from the Lesotho win.
• Nigeria’s confirmed starters include Cyriel Dessers at center-forward in Osimhen’s absence, with William Troost-Ekong and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru returning and Benjamin Fredrick selected at left-back.