FIFA Approves Free State Stadium South Africa for Nigeria vs South Africa Clash

The approval comes after recent inspections addressed concerns over the pitch’s condition, ensuring a fair and competitive showdown in Group C of the African qualifiers.

The decision, announced in a joint statement from FIFA and CAF on Wednesday, September 3, resolves weeks of uncertainty surrounding the venue. 

Initial doubts arose due to the harsh winter weather impacting the playing surface at the 46,000-capacity stadium in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa. 

However, follow-up evaluations confirmed “encouraging progress” on the pitch, allowing the fixture to proceed as planned. 

“Both organisations have agreed that the matches will proceed as originally scheduled at the Free State Stadium,” the statement read, providing relief to organizers and fans alike.

This match marks a pivotal moment in the race for one of Africa’s automatic spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. 

South Africa currently leads Group C with 13 points from six matches, putting them in a strong position to secure qualification. 

Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, sits in fourth place with seven points—just one behind Rwanda and Benin Republic in second and third. 

The Super Eagles are desperate for a win to revive their slim chances of reaching a seventh World Cup appearance, following a challenging campaign that has seen them struggle for consistency.

For Bafana Bafana, coached by Hugo Broos, the clash against Nigeria represents a “win-or-bust” opportunity in Matchday 8. 

The team will first host Lesotho on Friday, September 5, at the same venue—a neutral-site game for Lesotho, which lacks a FIFA-approved stadium of its own.