The Super Eagles of Nigeria have formally protested the choice of Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium as the venue for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against South Africa, raising concerns over the quality of the pitch, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Bafana Bafana on September 9 in a Group C clash that could have a direct impact on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa currently top the group on 13 points, while Nigeria sit fourth with seven points from six matches, leaving the Super Eagles under pressure to secure a result away from home.
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Reports have described the surface at Free State Stadium as below standard, with even Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos criticising it as “not good” and “disappointing for a game of this level.”
As revealed in a report by Legit.ng, the Nigeria Football Federation has since lodged a complaint to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, calling for the match to be moved to a more suitable venue, preferably the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Following that, other reports indicate there are ongoing discussions about a possible switch to the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, also in Bloemfontein, which is reported to have a better surface. However, as of the start of September, the match remains listed at Free State Stadium.
The spotlight now rests on FIFA and CAF, whose final decision on the venue will determine whether the fixture is played on a controversial surface or shifted to a more suitable stadium. For the Super Eagles, every detail matters as they seek to reignite their World Cup dream.
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