2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Predicting Bafana Bafana XI to face Nigeria - Will Broos field in-form duo of Kaizer Chiefs star Thabiso Monyane and Orlando Pirates attacker Kamogelo Sebelebele?

After a convincing victory over Lesotho, Bafana will be up to what is considered their toughest challenge in the group when they take on the ambitious and confident Super Eagles.

South Africa are set to host Nigeria for a highly anticipated 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

This is a game that neither side will want to lose; Bafana will need points to consolidate their position at the top of Group C, while the Super Eagles will be keen to win and reduce the gap with the group leaders.

The Super Eagles are set to miss their star attacker, Victor Osimhen, but even with that, Hugo Broos is expected to deploy a strong side to face the West Africans.

What should give Broos more hope going into this fixture is the fact that three of his attackers, Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis, scored in their last game.

Eyes will also be wide open to see whether in-form Bucs' star Kamogelo Sebelebele will get a slot in the starting XI.

Here, GOAL predicts how Broos will line up his players to face their toughest group rivals.

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GOALKEEPER: Ronwen Williams
He kept another clean sheet against Lesotho, and his priority is to achieve the same against a star-studded Super Eagles.

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RIGHT-BACK: Thabiso Monyane
The in-form Kaizer Chiefs fullback earned a late call-up after Nyiko Mobbie suffered an injury.
However, Broos has a tough choice here: to field the in-form Glamour Boy or Mamelodi Sundowns' Zuko Mdunyelwa, who replaced Mobbie against Lesotho.
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LEFT-BACK: Aubrey Modiba
An experienced player for the national side, his services will be highly depended on as Broos looks for more points in the qualification process.

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CENTRE-BACK: Siyabonga Ngezana
The experienced defender is expected to start against Nigeria in order to bring some needed height in defence.
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CENTRE-BACK: Mbekezeli Mbokazi
A dependable defensive rock at the club level and now for the national team, Mbokazi is expected to feature against the Super Eagles.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha
The Pirates star was handed the responsibilities of playing at the base of the midfield alongside Teboho Mokoena.
He is again set to play ahead of Sundowns' Bathusi Aubaas, who came on in the second half for Sipho Mbule.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena
A player who has attracted a lot of limelight in the qualifiers after Lesotho protested against him.
Despite threats from the rivals, Broos went on to field him, and the Masandawana star is expected to play against Nigeria.
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ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Sipho Mbule
The Orlando Pirates star looks like a renewed footballer this season, and after some impressive outings with Bucs, he is now with his national teammates.
It is highly likely Broos will stick with him for this role.
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LEFT ATTACKER: Oswin Appollis
The Bucs winger was on the scoresheet against Lesotho, and his general performance warrants another chance for him to start.
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RIGHT ATTACKER: Mohau Nkota
His profile continues to rise with Bafana since his recent debut in June.
Although his move to Al-Ettifaq was questioned, given the perceived quality of the Saudi Pro League, his performance against Lesotho could have silenced a few doubters.
Can he score again on Tuesday?
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CENTRE-FORWARD: Lyle Foster
He scored and provided the assist for Appollis' goal.
The Burnley forward is set to lead the attacking mission again, ahead of Sundowns' Iqraam Rayners, as Bafana look to seal the September qualifiers on a high.