Alongside the start of Euro 2024 and the Copa America, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues in Africa, as Nigeria host South Africa in a crunch qualifier.
Nigeria have struggled since their defeat to the Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final back in February and they are winless in their opening two games in qualification.
A change in head coach was hoped to reinvigorate the Super Eagles after their final loss, but former Premier League winger Finidi George is still finding his feet in Lagos.
He takes charge on a permanent basis for the first time after two unconvincing friendly outings as interim boss, and is looking to make his mark.
The Sporting News is following South Africa vs. Nigeria live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
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Nigeria vs. South Africa live score
| 1st Half | Goal scorers | |
| Nigeria | 0 | — |
| South Africa | 0 | — |
Predicted lineups:
Nigeria (4-2-3-1, right to left): Nwabali (GK) — Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Tanimu, Bassey — Ndidi, Onyedika — Lookman, Iwobi, Chukwueze — Boniface.
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams (GK) — Mobbie, Mvala, Ngezana, Modiba — Mokoena, Sithole — Tau, Zwane; Appollis — Rayners.
Nigeria vs. South Africa live updates, highlights from World Cup qualifier
1 hour before kickoff: T-minus 60 minutes to go before we’re underway in Uyo, in what is shaping up to be a must-win game for both sides.
South Africa and Nigeria sit fourth and fifth respectively in Group C, with Bafana Bafana able to go top of the group with a win. The Super Eagles could do likewise if they claim three points tonight, but can only displace Lesotho at the summit if they win by two goals or more.
2 hours before kickoff: Welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of South Africa v Nigeria in a vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
The visitors have endured a travel nightmare en route to Nigeria but Bafana Bafana have finally arrived!
Bafana Bafana have been on the road for 18 hours and still not at base in Nigeria. The team is currently at Port Harcourt Airport where they cleared customs, awaiting transfer to the hotel, to spend the night. Uyo airport had closed by the time the team was scheduled to take off.… pic.twitter.com/nlJtpLLqsi
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 5, 2024
Nigeria vs. South Africa kickoff time
This World Cup qualifier match takes place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria and kicks off on Friday, June 7 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Fri, Jun. 7 | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Fri, Jun. 7 | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| UK | Fri, Jun. 7 | 8:00 p.m. BST |
| Australia | Sat, Jun. 8 | 5:00 a.m. AEST |
| India | Sat, Jun. 8 | 12:30 a.m. IST |
Group C standings
| Pos. | Team | GP | W-D-L | Goals For | Goals against | Points |
| 1. | Lesotho | 3 | 1-2-0 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| 2. | Rwanda | 3 | 1-1-1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 3. | Benin | 3 | 1-1-1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 4. | South Africa | 2 | 1-0-1 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| 5. | Nigeria | 2 | 0-2-0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 6. | Zimbabwe | 3 | 0-2-1 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Nigeria vs. South Africa lineups, team news, starting 11
Nigeria have been dealt a big blow as they will miss Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and captain William Troost-Ekong. Ahmed Musa and Kenneth Omeruo are not in the squad, and Nathan Tella requested to be excused.
Ademola Lookman remains a key player with four goals in his last six games. Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface is back in the squad, and may replace Osimhen, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Chukwueze pose threats.
Nigeria predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Nwabali (GK) — Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Tanimu, Bassey — Ndidi, Onyedika — Lookman, Iwobi, Chukwueze — Boniface.
Nigeria subs (9): Matchday squad released one hour prior to kickoff
South Africa face injury concerns too. Kaizer Chiefs’ Given Msimango replaces Grant Kekana. Newcomers include Orlando Pirates’ Nkosinathi Sibisi and Siyabonga Ngezana. However, key players like Ronwen Williams and Percy Tau are likely to be available.
South Africa predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Williams (GK) — Mobbie, Mvala, Ngezana, Modiba — Mokoena, Sithole — Tau, Zwane; Appollis — Rayners.
South Africa subs (9): Matchday squad released one hour prior to kickoff
Nigeria vs. South Africa live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this World Cup qualifying match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| International (selected regions) | — | FIFA+ |
For fans worldwide, Matchday 3 and Matchday 4 of the CAF qualifiers can be streamed on FIFA+ except in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Highlights of all matches will also be available on FIFA+ globally.
In India, fans can stream the game via FanCode, while in South Africa, it will be broadcast on SABC Plus and SABC Sport.
If Nigeria vs. South Africa is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
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