Uncertainty had initially clouded the choice of venue after concerns were raised about the substandard pitch conditions at the stadium. However, following a fresh round of inspections, both FIFA and CAF confirmed that the surface has improved significantly and is now fit to host international fixtures.
“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,” the joint statement read.
The approval also means the stadium will first host Lesotho on Friday, September 5, as the Southern African nation currently has no FIFA-approved facility for international football. Four days later, the same venue will stage the make-or-break tie between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles on September 9.
South Africa currently sit top of the qualifying group with 13 points from six matches, while Nigeria’s Eagles — led by head coach Eric Chelle — are struggling in fourth place with just seven points. They trail Rwanda and Benin Republic, who occupy second and third positions, by a single point.
For Nigeria, the stakes could not be higher. The Eagles must secure maximum points from both their remaining fixtures — against Rwanda and South Africa — if they are to keep alive their fading hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Football analysts say the clash in Bloemfontein will be pivotal, not just for Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions, but also for the team’s confidence after a turbulent qualifying campaign.
