Ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifying fixture between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa next week, the Free State Stadium located in Bloemfontein has been cleared to host the clash by governing bodies FIFA and CAF, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
There had been uncertainty over which venue would host Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifying matches at home, after concerns had been raised about the unsatisfactory pitch conditions at the Free State Stadium.
However, a joint statement from FIFA and CAF eventually gave the arena the green light to stage the match, following further inspections by officials from both governing bodies.
“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 from FIFA and CAF read.
Following the development, Lesotho will host fellow South African neighbours at the venue on Friday, September 5, as they have no FIFA-standard approved stadium in their country.
After the clash, Bafana Bafana will then welcome Nigeria to the venue for the win-or-bust matchday eight encounter on September 9.
South Africa currently top the group standings with 13 points from six matches played in the race to secure qualification for the 2026 Mundial in USA, Mexico and Canada.
As for Eric Chelle’s Eagles, they are in fourth position on seven points, one point behind Rwanda and Benin Republic, who both occupy second and third spot respectively.
Nigeria need to claim the maximum six points from both fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa in a bid to revive their faint hopes of reaching a seventh FIFA World Cup tournament in history.
