- Free State Stadium cleared by FIFA and CAF to host Bafana vs Super Eagles.
- Nigeria to face South Africa in a crucial qualifier on September 9.
- Eagles sit fourth in group; need back-to-back wins to revive qualification hopes.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana has been relieved of concerns after the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein has officially been approved to host their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog reports that doubts had surrounded the venue due to earlier concerns over the quality of the playing surface, prompting a temporary hold on confirming the stadium for the crucial fixtures.
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However, after recent joint inspections, officials from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the necessary improvements had been made.
“Following the noticeable improvements made to the pitch, both bodies have agreed to allow matches to go on at the Free State Stadium as earlier scheduled,” a joint statement from FIFA and CAF confirmed.
With the green light now given, the venue will also be used by Lesotho for their home game on Friday, September 5, since they currently do not have a FIFA-certified stadium in their own country.
After that match, Bafana Bafana will host Nigeria on September 9 in what has been dubbed a must-win encounter for both sides in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
South Africa lead the group with 13 points from six games, while Nigeria sit in fourth place with seven points trailing Rwanda and Benin who both have eight points each.
The Super Eagles must secure all six points from their next two games against Rwanda and South Africa if they are to keep their hopes of a seventh World Cup appearance alive.
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