Africa’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes this week and the stakes are higher than ever. For the first time ever, the tournament will be hosted by three nations - United States, Mexico, and Canada - and will feature an expanded format with 48 teams competing for the ultimate prize. This means Africa’s representation increases from 5 to 9 teams, with a potential 10th team qualifying through the intercontinental playoffs. Today, the Super Eagles face a tough home game against South Africa in the third game of their World Cup qualifying campaign. New head coach Finidi George will lead the team for the first time in a competitive game, and defeat is not an option. Enjoy the betting tips in our in-depth preview of this clash, plus more! **Nigeria vs South Africa** Two African giants and bitter rivals: Nigeria, and South Africa, will go head-to-head in this today’s CAF World Cup qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The Super Eagles are determined to secure their seventh World Cup qualification berth, but they face a tough battle after picking up just two points from their first two qualifiers. They currently sit in fourth place in Group C, trailing leaders Rwanda by two points, and Friday’s opponents by a point. With the group winners earning automatic qualification for the World Cup, the Super Eagles will be eager to get back to winning ways.
Nigeria played two friendly matches in March, an impressive 2-1 victory over Ghana, followed by a disappointing 2-0 loss to Mali, which exposed some defensive vulnerabilities. Finding a balance between defense and attack will be crucial for Nigeria to overcome a South African team, especially with so much at stake. South Africa, meanwhile, have made huge strides in recent years, highlighted by an impressive third-place finish at AFCON 2023. They are unbeaten in seven of their last eight games, with the only defeat coming against Nigeria in the AFCON semi-final in February. Bafana Bafana started their World Cup qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Benin but suffered a surprise 2-0 loss to Rwanda in their second game. Despite this, they remain confident of challenging Nigeria. To do this, they’ll rely on a stout defense that conceded just three goals at AFCON 2023. This solid foundation will serve them well as they aim to push Nigeria all the way and secure a coveted spot at the next World Cup. **Verdict.** Historically, Nigeria have been the dominant side in this encounter, winning four and drawing five of their last 10 matches against Bafana Bafana. While the Super Eagles will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, they can still call upon the services of Europa League final hat trick hero, Ademola Lookman, along with Victor Boniface to deliver our full-time prediction of a slim win for Nigeria in Uyo.
**Morocco vs Zambia** Morocco return to competitive action following an early AFCON 2023 exit with a crucial Group E World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Friday. Walid Regragui’s men have played just one qualifier due to Eritrea’s withdrawal and will be keen to make it two wins from two, after their 2-0 win over Tanzania last November. A win against Zambia could see the hosts move three points clear of their opponents and Niger, who have a tough game on the road against Congo. Having made African history by reaching the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions will hope to build on that in 2026. But first, they must get past a Zambian side who have very little to lose. Zambia are underdogs for a reason. They have never qualified for any world cup and have won just one of their last 7 games (L3, D3). Ex-Chelsea Zambia boss, Avram Grant, is aiming to make Chipolopolo history, and he’ll hope to add to the three points his team already has from their first two qualifiers. **Verdict:** Morocco has a much better team, and while Zambia may put up a decent fight, they’re still likely to come up short. Playing in front of home support should provide an even bigger boost for the Atlas Lions and our bet of the day is for them to win this comfortably.
**Ivory Coast vs Gabon** AFCON 2023 winners, Ivory Coast welcome Gabon to the Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium for a crucial Group F clash. Both teams have won their first two matches in World Cup 2026 qualifying, but the Ivorians have a better goal difference thanks to their 9-0 win over Seychelles and a 2-0 victory over Gambia. The next step for the Elephants will be to build on their strong start to the qualifiers, victory over Gabon will keep momentum going as they look to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup. It’s worth noting that the last time these two teams met back in 2017, Gabon claimed a 2-1 victory on Ivorian soil. The hosts cannot afford to take anything for granted here. Gabon kicked off their qualifying campaign in style, securing consecutive 2-1 wins against Kenya and Burundi. They have six points, same as Friday’s opponents, but have an inferior goal difference. Head coach Thierry Mouyouma will be hoping his side can replicate their performance on their last visit to Ivory Coast. However, a 3-0 defeat to Senegal and a goalless draw against Congo in March showed there is still much work to be done. The visitors have won two of their last 4 games, including that impressive win against Kenya last November. They may be underdogs but all they need to do here is avoid defeat to stay on track. **Verdict:** Both sides will fancy their chances, but Ivory Coast will rely on home support to pull through in the end. Our bet prediction is a low-scoring affair with the hosts taking the crucial points.
**Cameroon vs Cape Verde** The Indomitable Lions welcome Cape Verde to Yaoundé, looking to hold on to their place atop Group D. The hosts have 4 points from their first two qualifying matches after defeating Mauritius 3-0 and drawing 1-1 with Libya and will be hoping for three more here. This will be their first game since the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Nigeria at AFCON 2023. Interim head coach Martin Ndtoungou Mpile will rely on stars like Bryan Mbeumo, Vincent Aboubakar, and Manchester United’s Andre Onana to secure a crucial win. Cape Verde have gone from minnows to one of Africa’s most dangerous sides in the space of one year. Just like their hosts, they have 4 points from their first two game. The Blue Sharks are currently on a run of 1 defeat in their last 7 games, a penalty shoot-out loss against South Africa in the quarterfinals of the last AFCON. Since then, they have earned consecutive wins against Guyana, and Equatorial Guinea, keeping clean sheets in both games. **Verdict:** Cameroon haven’t beaten Cape Verde since 2019, and that win is their only one in the last 5 meetings. The uncertainty around the coaching and selection could make this an even tougher task. However, the Indomitable Lions have the necessary talent to avoid defeat at home. Our full-time prediction is a straight draw.
**Mauritania vs Senegal** Mauritania welcome Senegal to the Stade Cheikha Stadium on Sunday, knowing that defeat could mark the end of their hopes of qualifying for a first ever World Cup. The hosts have one point from their first two qualifying games, a 2-0 defeat to Congo, and a 0-0 draw against South Sudan, where they had more possession, more shots and created the better chances. Amir Abdou’s men have one win in their last 10 games (L4, D4) and you have to fear for them against a rampant Senegalese side. Sunday’s opponents, Senegal, are in excellent form, and it is testament to the magic of AFCON 2023 that they couldn’t make it past the second round. They’re still one of the most talented teams out there and are heavy favourites to easily dispatch a poor Mauritania team. Aliou Cisse’s men have 4 points from their first two qualifiers, including a sensational 4-0 win over South Sudan. With the likes of Sadio Mane and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson leading the attack, this could be a long day for the hosts. **Prediction:** Senegal have conceded just 2 goals in their last 10 games and have not lost in 90 minutes in any of those games. While football is unpredictable, our bet prediction, backed by the best odds, is an easy win for one of Africa’s strongest sides.
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