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FIFA, CAF Clear Free State Stadium for Nigeria vs South Africa World Cup Qualifier
FIFA and CAF have cleared Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein to host South Africa’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on September 9. The Super Eagles must win to revive hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have approved the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein as the venue for next week’s crucial World Cup qualifying clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Doubts had lingered over where South Africa would play their home qualifiers after concerns were raised about the poor pitch conditions at the Free State Stadium.
However, both governing bodies confirmed in a joint statement that the facility has now met the required standard following further inspections.
“Considering the encouraging progress observed on the pitch, both organisations have agreed that the matches will proceed as originally scheduled at the Free State Stadium,” FIFA and CAF stated.
Before Nigeria’s visit, the stadium will also host Lesotho’s home fixture against a fellow southern African side on Friday, September 5, since Lesotho currently lacks a FIFA-approved stadium of its own.
Bafana Bafana will then face Nigeria on September 9 in what is seen as a decisive matchday eight encounter.
South Africa currently sit at the top of the qualifying group with 13 points from six matches, while Nigeria are in fourth place with seven points — one behind Rwanda and Benin Republic, who occupy second and third spots.
The Super Eagles, led by coach Eric Chelle, must secure maximum points in their upcoming games against Rwanda and South Africa to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for a seventh FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
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