Anticipation builds for South Africa vs Nigeria showdown
In the second round of the u17 Confederation of African (CAF) | FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, South Africa hosts Nigeria at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville Pretoria, on Saturday.
The game will be broadcast on the public broadcaster South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) at 15:00. Fans have been urged to rally behind the u17 national team and entry to the stadium is free.
Coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo’s Bantwana will be seeking to maintain their momentum against a determined Nigeria, following their impressive performances in the first round of the qualifiers against Gabon. South Africa won by a massive 21-2 margin, cruising to victories both home and away.
As they prepare to face the Flamingos, South Africa is expected to be strengthened by the recent efforts of coach Khumalo and coach, Rhoda Mulaudzi, who have been scouting players across the country to strengthen the national side.
In late February, several young players, including the SA u17 captain, Katlego Malebana, were called up to the senior national team, Banyana Banyana, for back-to-back international friendlies against Lesotho at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus.
Banyana Banyana secured victories in both matches, with the young players significantly contributing to the team’s success. The first match finished in a narrow 1-0 win, courtesy of a penalty converted by the 16-year-old Nobahle Mdelwa, while the second contest finished 2-0 in South Africa’s favour, with goals from Sibongile Ntoane and Unathi Simayile.
Several of the players who were in action against Lesotho are expected to run out against Nigeria on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how their experience with Banyana Banyana translates into their play in the qualifier.
The u17 FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November 2025.
Second Round: Africa u17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Fixtures
8 March
15:00. South Africa vs Nigeria: Lucas Moripe Stadium (South Africa)
15:00. Algeria vs Botswana: Francistown Stadium (Botswana)
15:00. Uganda vs Kenya: Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds (Uganda)
18:00. Sierra Leone vs Guinea: Southern Arena Stadium (Sierra Leone)
20:00. Cameroon vs Ethiopia: Olémbé Omnisport Stadium (Cameroon)
9 March
15:00. Tanzania vs Zambia: Azam Complex Stadium (Tanzania)
15:00. Benin vs DR Congo: Stade de Kégué (Togo)
18:00. Cote d’ivoire vs Burundi: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Cote d’ivoire)
