Both teams were knocked out in the quarterfinals, with Nigeria suffering a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon while Banyana Banyana were also eliminated at the same stage.
The high stakes encounter now gives both sides an immediate opportunity to respond to their setbacks, with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs for a place at the 2027 World Cup.
Oshoala admitted the play-off is not where Nigeria expected to find themselves after their WAFCON campaign but insists the World Cup dream remains alive.
"This is where we find ourselves, and we just have to face it. Not the best way, but also, the World Cup is still there for us to grab. So, we still have to go all out and fight for the spot," Oshoala said, as quoted by All Nigeria Soccer.
The former Barcelona forward expects another fiercely contested encounter against South Africa, highlighting the history between the two teams.
Nigeria defeated Banyana Banyana in the Olympic qualification battle and also eliminated them at the previous WAFCON, adding further intensity to Thursday's clash.
"It's always tough against them. They're a footballing nation as well," Oshoala said.
She described the two teams as "two wounded lions" and expects both to fight relentlessly for the opportunity to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Nigeria have also focused on correcting the mistakes that contributed to their defeat against Cameroon, with Oshoala confident the squad is mentally ready.
"We're up there. Mentally, we're ready to go out there to fight and also to correct our mistakes against Cameroon," she added.
The six-time African Player of the Year also urged Nigerian supporters to remain behind the team despite the disappointment.
Oshoala acknowledged that the players were heartbroken by the WAFCON exit but stressed that they gave their best and are determined to make amends.
"Mistakes happen, things happen, but we just keep urging them to keep supporting the team so we can all smile and be happy again as one nation," she said.
AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has deployed attacker Samuel Chukwueze in a new wing-back position at the start of his tenure with the Serie A giants ahead of the 2026/27 league opener.
English clubs Hull City and Burnley have reportedly joined the race to sign Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena before the close of the current summer transfer window.
Hooker Malcolm Marx revealed the Springboks are expecting an intense scrum duel against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Legendary former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen believes New Zealand have a "big advantage" over the Springboks heading into Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry opener.
