Bafana Announce Starting XI For Nigeria Clash - iDiski Times

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his starting XI to face Nigeria in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night in Uyo.

Nigeria host South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium at 21:00 on Friday, with the game hugely important in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers.

After wins from Benin (1-0 over Rwanda) and Lesotho (2-0 over Zimbabwe), Bafana has dropped into fourth position on the log with three points, while Nigeria sit in fifth with just two.

Both teams have dropped points in their World Cup qualification so far, with Bafana beating Benin 2-1 at home before losing 2-0 in Rwanda, while the Super Eagles were held to 1-1 draws by Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

The winner of the tie could potentially climb to the top of Group C, depending on goal difference.

Nigeria have a great head-to-head record against South Africa, winning 18 of their 13 ties, while Bafana have just won once – coincidently that win also happened in Uyo in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers.

Both teams also met at the 2023 AFCON semi-finals, with the game ending 1-1 and Nigeria eliminating South Africa on penalties.

Here is how they line up:

Nigeria XI: Nwabali, Semi, Bassey, Taminu, Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, Iwobi, Bashiru, Lookman, Onuachu, Iheanacho.

Subs:

Bafana XI: Williams, Mudau, Ngezana, Mvala, Modiba, Mokoena, Sithole, Zwane, Tau, Mokwana, Rayners

Subs: Goss, Mothwa, Maswanganyi, Sibisi, Msimango, Morena, Aubaas, Foster, Appollis, Mofokeng, Mobbie, Adams