South Africa vs Nigeria: 196-Year-Old Tortoise Predicts Outcome of Big WCQ
- South Africa and Nigeria will take on each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on September 9
- The Bafana Bafana are seeking to qualify for the World Cup since 2010, while the Super Eagles missed out on the last edition
- A tortoise has made a bold prediction ahead of the encounter scheduled to take place at the Free State Stadium
Nigeria have recorded a brilliant performance since Eric Chelle took over as coach of the Super Eagles.
The three-time AFCON winners defeated Rwanda 2-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali before recording a 1-1 draw against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with all the goals coming from Victor Osimhen last March.
The Super Eagles ensured they continued their impressive run with a 1-0 victory against the Amavubi with the lone goal from Wolves' new signing, Tolu Arokodare.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria have failed to win a match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the absence of Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out in the encounter against South Africa.
Tortoise predicts outcome of Nigeria vs South Africa
A tortoise has tipped Nigeria to score two goals against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on September 9.
According to Sports247, the 196-year-old creature chose the number of goals when visitors placed a marker representing the West African country.
The particular tortoise is regarded as the oldest living creature on earth, located at the Prison Island sanctuary in Zanzibar.
Nigeria were held in a 1-1 draw against South Africa in the first leg played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in 2024.
Bafana Bafana have secured 16 points, sitting in first position, Benin Republic have 11 points in second position, while Nigeria are in third place with 10 points, per TnTSports.
Meanwhile, Eric Chelle led Mali to beat the Bafana Bafana 2-0 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, ESPN.
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Super Eagles stars confident ahead of clash
Samuel Chukwueze and Stanley Nwabali are confident the Super Eagles will secure victory against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Nwabali, who is based in South Africa and plays for Premier Soccer League side Chippa United, is also confident Nigeria will pick up the three points, per NFF.
“I feel like we have a very strong squad to match any country. I don't see it like a really big thing to us; we respect them [South Africa], they are doing well, even topping the group.
“Every game has its own plan, you might watch them against Lesotho, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and some other teams, but you know when it comes to Nigeria, it will be a different approach, likewise other countries coming to play against Nigeria."
Eric Chelle speaks about Osimhen’s absence
Legit.ng earlier reported that coach Eric Chelle and Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong faced a press conference on Monday evening before the team trained at the Free State Stadium.
The Franco-Malian manager spoke about his team's readiness and how they plan to approach the match despite the absence of their star forward.
Source: Legit.ng
