UEFA-licensed Nigerian sports journalist Oma Akatugba says many Nigerians are approaching the Super Eagles’ upcoming clash with South Africa with mixed feelings.

The two sides meet on Tuesday, September 9, in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture that could determine Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

With the Super Eagles trailing Bafana Bafana by six points on the table, only a victory will keep their qualification hopes alive and give coach Eric Chelle’s men a shot at either direct qualification or the play-off round.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Akatugba in an interview with Andile Ncube on South Africa's Metro FM noted that while Nigeria has historically dominated South Africa, this fixture feels evenly matched.

“A lot of Nigerians are very optimistic. At the same time, a lot of Nigerians are pessimistic. With the way this current Super Eagles team has played in the qualifiers, you can’t go into the game with total assurance. I believe it’s 50-50. Nigeria and South Africa in recent times are evenly matched,” he told journalists.

Providing context, Akatugba highlighted the head-to-head record between both nations: “Since 1992, Nigeria has faced South Africa in 13 competitive matches. Nigeria won seven, South Africa only one, and five ended in draws. South Africa has never beaten Nigeria on home soil. Ironically, their only victory came in Uyo, Nigeria.”

He further noted that the individual talent within the squad is yet to translate to consistent results.

“This is not the same Nigeria, but ironically, it’s a Nigerian team with even better players individually. Unfortunately, individual quality is not producing results. That’s why Eric Chelle was brought in to salvage the situation, and to be fair, he has shown progress. He’s unbeaten in his last three World Cup qualifiers, winning two and drawing one. If we had this earlier, we wouldn’t be in third place. We’d be neck-and-neck with South Africa.”

Nigeria faces South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, where the Super Eagles will hope to revive their campaign and keep their World Cup dreams alive.

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