South Africa could qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a win over Zimbabwe, at the detriment of Nigeria…
The Zimbabwe Football Association have confirmed that they will host their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier game against South Africa at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
In the last few weeks, there has been an outcry in sections of Nigerian media due to CAF’s decision to allow Lesotho and Zimbabwe play their home games in South Africa.
During the last round of qualifiers, Lesotho hosted their game against South Africa in South Africa, and the Bafana Bafana claimed all three points with a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.
So the argument, especially from the Nigerian media, has been that the Bafana Bafana have gained an unfair advantage by hosting other countries in the group in South Africa.
Ahead of the next round of games, Lesotho have two home fixtures, one of which is against Nigeria. Then, Zimbabwe have one home fixture against South Africa, while they play the other against Lesotho.
Now, ahead of the next round of games, Zimbabwe have come out to confirm that their next home game against South Africa will be played in South Africa.
According to a release via their website, they initially planned to host South Africa in Botswana. But due to logistics issues, the game will now be played in South Africa.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to inform fans that the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on 10 October will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa,” the Zimbabwean FA wrote.
“Originally, ZIFA had planned to host the match in Francistown, Botswana, but the venue became unavailable due Botswana’s need to use the same stadium.
“After assessing alternatives across the region, only two suitable venues in South Africa remained: Orlando Stadium and Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“Taking into account logistics, cost, facilities, and fan safety, ZIFA chose Moses Mabhida Stadium to give the Warriors the best possible environment to compete.”
How Does Zimbabwe’s Decision To Play In South Africa Affect Nigeria?
Although Zimbabwe’s decision to play in South Africa does not directly affect Nigeria, it gives South Africa an unfair advantage over the other teams in the group.
In Africa, home advantage is very important because of the stress of traveling around the continent. South Africa will also have the support if their home fans since the game is in their country.
Also, some countries try to frustrate their opponents by using some dodgy antics, case in point was the last game between Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana, when the South African FA chose a bad stadium for the game.
Currently, in Group C of the World Cup Qualifiers, South Africa sit at the summit with 17 points, while Benin are three points behind.
Nigeria and Benin are third and fourth with eleven points each, Lesotho are fifth with six points, while Zimbabwe are rooted to the bottom with four points after eight games.
As it stands, only a miracle can get Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles have fumbled and wobbled terribly in the series.
So, although South Africa have an extra advantage by hosting games, the Super Eagles have themselves to blame for their lackluster performance in the qualifiers.