Free State Stadium cleared to host Bafana Bafana vs Nigeria in crucial 2026 W/Cup qualifier
Aerial photograph of the Free State Stadium in South Africa. Photo Credit- Sportsmatik
The Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein has been officially approved to host Bafana Bafana’s highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM CAT, following a thorough pitch inspection by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The decision, announced on September 2, 2025, ends weeks of uncertainty over the venue’s readiness after concerns about the playing surface due to a harsh winter season, as reported by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and SuperSport.
The joint statement from FIFA and CAF, communicated to SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao, cited “encouraging progress observed on the pitch” as the reason for approving the Free State Stadium, also known as Toyota Stadium, over the alternative Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium. The confirmation ensures that Bafana Bafana, currently topping Group C with 13 points from six matches, will face Nigeria, who sit fourth with seven points, in a blockbuster clash that could shape their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Bafana Bafana are also scheduled to play Lesotho at the same venue on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM CAT, a match technically hosted by Lesotho, who lack a FIFA-approved stadium. SAFA confirmed that ticket sales for the Nigeria showdown will open in three phases, starting at R70.00 for adults and R40.00 for children under 12, available at the Free State Stadium from August 2, 2025, with hours set for Saturday (8:00 AM–2:00 PM), Sunday (9:00 AM–2:00 PM), and daily (8:30 AM–4:30 PM). Lesotho’s Football Association will announce ticket details for their match later.
Coach Hugo Broos, preparing his squad in Johannesburg, emphasized the need for focus and commitment in both fixtures, stating, “We have to fight for every second, for every square metre on the pitch and try to win that game.” Bafana’s recent 2-0 win over Lesotho and 2-0 victory against Benin in March 2025 have bolstered their position, but a docked three-point penalty for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho remains under review, potentially affecting their lead. Nigeria, coming off a 2-0 win over Rwanda, pose a formidable challenge, with Eric Chelle’s side eager to close the gap in Group C.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had raised concerns about the pitch quality, prompting FIFA’s initial consideration of relocating the match, but the approval ensures Bloemfontein’s footballing tradition will shine. The matches, broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SuperSport Africa, are expected to draw packed crowds, with the Free State Stadium’s 46,000 capacity set to create an electric atmosphere for these critical qualifiers.
