Who Will Win Between Nigeria and South Africa? Historical Records and Match Prediction
The rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa in men’s senior football has been one of Africa’s most exciting matchups since their first encounter in 1992. Over the years, both nations have clashed in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and international friendlies. This article takes a deep dive into the history, head-to-head results, and predictions for their upcoming showdown.
Head-to-Head Record (1992–2025)
| Date | Competition | Venue | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Oct-1992 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Nigeria | 4-0 | Nigeria |
| 16-Jan-1993 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | South Africa | 0-0 | Draw |
| 10-Feb-2000 | AFCON | Nigeria | 2-0 | Nigeria |
| 31-Jan-2004 | AFCON | Nigeria | 4-0 | Nigeria |
| 17-Nov-2004 | Friendly | South Africa | 2-1 | South Africa |
| 01-Jun-2008 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Nigeria | 2-0 | Nigeria |
| 06-Sep-2008 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | South Africa | 0-1 | Nigeria |
| 14-Aug-2013 | Friendly | South Africa | 0-2 | Nigeria |
| 10-Sep-2014 | AFCON Qualifier | South Africa | 0-0 | Draw |
| 19-Nov-2014 | AFCON Qualifier | Nigeria | 2-2 | Draw |
| 29-Mar-2015 | Friendly | South Africa | 1-1 | Draw |
| 10-Jun-2017 | AFCON Qualifier | Nigeria | 0-2 | South Africa |
| 17-Nov-2018 | AFCON Qualifier | South Africa | 1-1 | Draw |
| 10-Jul-2019 | AFCON | Nigeria | 2-1 | Nigeria |
| 07-Feb-2024 | AFCON | Nigeria | 1-1 | Draw |
| 07-Jun-2024 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | South Africa | 1-1 | Draw |
| Total Matches: 16 | Nigeria Wins: 8 | Draws: 6 | South Africa Wins: 2 | |||
Prediction for the Upcoming Clash
Based on history, Nigeria has the upper hand with 8 wins compared to South Africa’s 2. However, in recent years, South Africa has improved significantly, turning many matches into hard-fought draws. Current FIFA rankings place Nigeria slightly ahead, but the gap has narrowed.
- Nigeria Win: ~45% — Historical dominance gives them an edge.
- Draw: ~33% — Frequent outcome in recent years.
- South Africa Win: ~22% — Better form and home advantage boost their chances.
Key Factors
- Home Advantage: South Africa performs stronger at home.
- Player Availability: Injuries and suspensions could change the balance, e.g. Victor Osimhen missing crucial qualifiers.
- Recent Form: Recent encounters show South Africa’s resilience and tactical growth.
Live Match Updates
Check live updates, news, and real-time results below. Refresh the page to see the latest developments.
Sources & References
Final Word: While Nigeria’s history suggests they are favorites, South Africa’s recent form proves they cannot be underestimated. This match is expected to be competitive, intense, and could go either way.
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