Nigeria vs South Africa prediction

Nigeria and South Africa will continue their quest to book their place in the 2026 World Cup when they clash in Uyo, South-South Nigeria on Friday. The hosts did not get off to the best of start and they are currently placed third on the log. However, they are still. the favourites to emerge from this group, if results beginning from the match on Tuesday goes their.

South Africa are second on the log with three points, one points above their more illustrious hosts, Nigeria. A win for the Bafana Bafana will put them in good stead to the next round of the African section on the qualifying race for the 2026 World Cup.

For both sides, this is an all important game and none of these teams can afford to slip up if their hopes of progressing through the qualification series is to continue. On the betting angle, recent matches between Nigeria and South Africa have been tight affairs and given the importance of this match, we reckon it will go the same way.

Therefore, we expect the first first half of this game to end in a draw as our main Nigeria vs South Africa prediction.

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Main tip: 1st Half Draw

Our Nigeria vs South Africa predictions

According to the statistics and the odds of the bookmakers, we suggest the following tips:

Prediction 1: 1st Half Draw

3 reasons why we reckon the match will end a in a first half draw:

• 3 of the last 5 meetings between these teams ended in a first half draw
• 4 of South Africa’s last 5 matches ended in a draw after the first half
• This encounter will be a tight affair

Odds for this bet

Helabet offers competitive odds for the bet “1st Half Draw”

The odd of 2.16 means that the bookmakers are calculating with a likelihood of approx. 46% chance that there will be less than four total goals scored in this match.

Odds comparison for 1st Half Draw

Helabet – odd 2.16
Betwinner – odd 2.14

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Prediction 2: Under 3.5 Goals

3 reasons why we are predicting Under 3.5 Goals:

• The last 5 games involving Nigeria ended with less than four total goals scored
• 4 of South Africa’s last 5 matches returned under 3.5 goals
• Their last 5 H2H meetings produced less than four total goals

Odds for this bet

Paripesa offers competitive odds for “Under 3.5 Goals”

The odd of 1.16 means that the bookmakers are calculating with a likelihood of approx. 86% chance that there will be less than four total goals scored in this teams will score in this match.

Odds comparisons for Under 3.5 Goals

Paripesa – odd 1.16
Betboro – odd 1.15

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Prediction 3: Over 8.5 Corners

3 reasons why we expect this match to return at least 9 total corners:

• We are expecting a lot defensive actions in front of both goals
• Their last meeting produced at least 9 corners
• Both sides have tricky wingers who can win corners

Statistics for Nigeria vs South Africa Prediction

Nigeria’s team news!

• Nathan Tella and Victor Osimhen are out with injuries meaning that Victor Boniface could lead the attack
• Captain, Troost-Ekong is injured, Semi Ajayi could start with in Central defence
• Maduka Okoye has earned a call up again, but Stanley will most likely be in goal.

South Africa’s team news!

• Tshegofatso Mabasa misses out again, Mofokeng should lead the attack
• Lyle Forster has earned a recall. He may not start but he could come on as a substitute

H2H statistics

Let’s take a look at their last 12 meetings.

• Nigeria won 6 matches, South Africa won 2 game and 4 matches were drawn
• They scored an average of 2.42 goals per match
• The last time they met, it ended 1-1

Latest results Nigeria

• 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in their last 5 matches
• 4 goals scored in their last 5 matches. Average 0.80 goals per match
• They lost 2-1 against Mali in their last match

Latest results South Africa

• South Africa drew their last 5 matches in regulation time
• 5 goals scored in their last 5 matches. Average 1.00 goals per match
• They played out a 3-3 draw against Algeria in their last match

Have a look at our list of the top betting sites in Nigeria.