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  • Ex-international Ajao warns Eagles of ‘crafty’ Bafana 

    Ex-international Ajao warns Eagles of ‘crafty’ Bafana 

    • From Mark Ogagan in Johannesburg, South Africa

    Previous battles between African soccer powerhouses Nigeria and South Africa have always attracted widespread attention, be it at senior, intermediate or women’s levels.

    Tonight’s World Cup qualifier in Uyo will not be an exception. 

    Amongst the African zone qualifiers for this weekend, this fixture stands out for several reasons, and according to former Super Eagles, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs strongman, Muisi Ajao, if entertainment and excitement is your desire, look no further.

    It will be Finidi George’s first competitive game in charge of the Super Eagles following his appointment as substantive coach in April, though a few key players will be missing in action for Nigeria following injuries to Captain William Troost-Ekong, striker Victor Osimhen and winger Moses Simon.

    However, Nigerians will be looking forward to their first win in Group C as George  looks to kick off his tenure on a bright note.

    But Ajao, an outstanding centre back in his active days, has warned Nigeria to be wary of South Africa’s ‘very crafty’ midfield.

    Currently dominated by players from Africa’s leading club side Mamelodi Sundowns, Bafana Bafana’s engine room of Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Portugal based  Siphephelo Sithole could have their work cut out against Nigeria’s trio of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka .

    “Obviously we are looking at a game where the midfield could decide who wins at the end of the night, ”Ajao who won five international caps under late Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, told our correspondent. “One could be tempted to say they have a slight advantage over us because they still have the same coach and squad from the last time we played them. Secondly, South Africa’s midfield is filled with intelligent ball players who are capable of dictating the pace of the game, but if we can contain them and free our strikers, we could kill the game.

    Read Also: FIFA World Cup 26: Lookman, Iwobi swell Super Eagles camp

    “We must also seize this opportunity to redeem our image having started the qualifiers on the back foot, however, we are coming up against a very dangerous team with good possession, electrifying pace and a world class midfield.

    “To curtail their dominance, I’ll advise the Super Eagles coaches to apply the right strategy, play a high-pressing game and match them pace for pace. This will require 110% fitness from our players, and the vocal backing of the home fans in Uyo, but it can be done,” Ajao stated.  

    The last time Nigeria played South Africa at this same venue was on June 10, 2017, when Bafana Bafana shocked Super Eagles 2-0 in an Egypt 2019 AFCON qualifier.

    This time, however, the Super Eagles will be hoping to utilize the best of their home advantage having started the qualifying campaign on a jittery note following consecutive draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

    Significantly too, Friday’s game will elicit memories from last February’s AFCON tournament when Nigeria eliminated South Africa in a tense AFCON semifinal encounter in Cote d’Ivoire.

    “That match will go down in memory as one of the best in terms of entertainment considering the level of sporting rivalry between both countries,” recalls Ajao.

    “My only concern is that our team is a bit depleted, plus the players having to adapt to the tactics of a new technical crew, but in the end Nigeria should cruise to victory with a 2-0 margin,” he predicted.

    Nigeria currently sits in third place in Group C with two points behind surprise leaders Rwanda (four points), and second placed South Africa (three points).

  • Bafana blues

    Bafana blues

    South Africa’s Bafana Blues endure, after the Nigerian Super Eagles condemned them, yet again, to eating sour banana.  They just bundled Bafana from the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, at the first semifinal match.

    The Bafana jeremiads were clear from the lamentations of Hugo Broos, South Africa’s Belgian gaffer: “Football can be hard … I think we were the best team in the first half, we had the best chances.  Nigeria didn’t have one chance, no nothing.  Second half, okay” — and, sour grapes! — “they had few chances and scored.”

    Now, Broos and South Africa were coming from a real dark place, as their Soweto-express train always stuttered against Nigeria when it mattered most.  The last time they met in the semis in Lagos AFCON 2000, it was a 2-0 drubbing. Earlier, Bafana, running wild as the raw boys of continental football, it was a 4-0 hiding. 

    So, permit Broos if he would celebrate his loss with a lament that wished it was a win.  Whatever hopes Bafana had, got dispelled at the penalty shootout: that separated “the boys, the boys” from the real men of African football.

    Indeed, between West African and Southern African football, there remains still a gulf — and hot stats don’t lie: the last four — two West African sides in the final: Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire; two others: South Africa (Southern  Africa) and Congo DR (Central Africa) for the losers’ final in search of the AFCON bronze.  That was the real message from the Bafana ouster.

    Still, for all their pain and angst, it wasn’t all blues: not for the defeated Bafana, not for COSAFA — Confederation of Southern African Football Associations — their regional football belt.

    Read Also: AFCON 2023: MTN urges Super Eagles  to smoke out  Bafana Bafana

    In truth, of all Africa’s football blocs, COSAFA would appear the most improved, given the exploits of South Africa, Namibia and Angola in this one.  Even for Zambia that didn’t really click but always remains one of the best sides from that region, you could see the result from COSAFA’s constant organization of tournaments, among all age groups, male and female.  That’s one model other African blocs should emulate.

    WAFU — the West African Football Union — has rather slackened in its regional responsibilities, only depending on the natural athleticism of its youths and their armada in foreign European leagues.  For North Africa — the so-called Magreb zone –it’s every country for itself. 

    That’s why you’d see an Algeria or Morocco shine today, yet vanish for a long time in the immediate future.  Still, they have strong domestic leagues that somehow manage to muscle everyone in African championships, with only South Africa giving them a constant run for their money.

    But the winning model for Africa would be the South African model. That league boasts the largest concentration of Africa-based players at the current AFCON.  Why, even Stanley Nwabali that shut out Bafana in the penalty shootouts, struts his stuff in South Africa’s top-tier league, with Chippa United. 

    Don’t also forget: the bulk of Bafana Bafana came from Memolodi Sundowns, at times accounting for as many as eight match-day squad members.  That explains the Bafana cohesion and tactical nous that helped them to stretch the match against Nigeria.  The last time such local club dominance happened in Nigeria was with Stationery Stores of Lagos.  That was in the last century!

    So, as Bafana grimace, eating their sour banana of painful defeat, they should look at the bright side.  They have a good model others should — nay, must copy — if football made-in-Africa, must really come of age.

  • Bafana qualifies for 2019 AFCON

    Bafana Bafana of South Africa are through to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Libya in their final qualification match at the Stade Taïeb Mhiri stadium in Sfax, Tunisia yesterday.

    Needing only to draw in order to progress to the finals, Stuart Baxter’s side took a 50th minute lead through Percy Tau.

    However, Ahmad Benali converted a penalty in the 66th minute to give South African fans an anxious closing 24 minutes of play.

    Tau eased their fears, however, with his second of the match in the 69th minute as Bafana held on to secure a famous 2-1 victory.

    Bafana qualified second behind Nigeria in Group E and will take their place in the 24-team finals to be played in Egypt between June 21 and July 19.

  • Spell Bafana with goals

    I woke up Monday morning at 6am trying to interpret an inner voice which suggested that Super Eagles will spell Bafana with goals inside the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo, in one of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Impossible; that was my first response, knowing that the South Africans had grown in stature, since hosting the 2010 World Cup. Spelling Bafana means the Eagles will score six goals against South Africa. It looks like a target to set for boys. But is it achievable? Yes. Will the South Africans just watch Eagles score six goals without scoring a goal or two? I don’t think so, but that is where the permutations for today’s game begin. Welcome to Nigeria, Bafana Bafana.

    The simple interpretation of my dream on Monday is that there will be goals in the game, with many feeling strongly that the Eagles could rout Bafana. It is also looking like a grudge game for the Nigerians, having missed out of the last two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations because of the bickering at the Glasshouse in Abuja. It got so bad in one instance in Calabar, when one of the warring factions at the NFF was stopped from watching the game by security operatives to save Nigeria from a FIFA ban. Congo Brazzaville beat Nigeria 3-2 in that game in Nigeria in the opening game of the 2015 edition’s qualifiers.

    Things got worse at the Glasshouse in the fallout of the NFF elections that Eagles flunked the chance to qualify for the last edition in Gabon by drawing 2-2 against Bafana Banfana. The situation at the Glasshouse is better and Nigerians expect the Eagles to avenge that unfortunate draw with a resounding victory.

    Our players know the importance of playing at the Nations Cup, aside the benefits from the government in the form of houses, cash gifts from soccer-crazy Nigerians and national honours. Our players must be reminded that a defeat (God forbid) today will dampen the morale of the fans rooting at the stands and indeed around the country. Victory for Nigeria starts the process of getting the ticket since South Africa appears the only stumbling block on our path.

    The South Africans can be beaten silly. They have had issues within their squad ahead of their trip to Uyo. Bafana are depleted by injuries with stars such as Hlompho Kekana and Kamohelo Mokotjo, being replaced by Tiyani Mabunda and Lebogang Phiri. Bafana Bafana doctor Thulani Ngwenya is reported to have warned that more replacements are in the offing. Ngwenya also revealed that Mulomowandau Mathoho had made progress after he missed Kaizer Chiefs’ last game of the season against Bidvest Wits due to a concussion.

    “Tiyani Mabunda, Andile Jali, Aubrey Ngoma, Mulomowandau Mathoho and Lebogang Manyama – some of the players who had knocks – were lively in Wednesday’s train ing, while Rivaldo Coetzee and Tokelo Rantie only did some light workouts”.

    It leaves Baxter with the unholy option of converting players to positions which make them vunerable to Eagles’ sustained assaults at dusk. This is the first game for Bafana’s coach Stuart Baxter with this squad. Indeed, the South Africans had to fall back to Baxter in panic .  Thank God Nigeria has only Victor Moses missing due to a toe surgery. Mikel Obi is recuperating but the team has shown that they can play without both men, following the results from their last two international matches against Corsica (1-1) and Togo (3-0) in France.

    Will thunder strike on the same spot twice? Never. Eagles are a changed squad with a new coach, Gernot Rohr, who has transformed the team with an unbeaten eight-match run prosecuted by younger and fitter boys who ply their trade in Europe. And the results so far attest to the fact that the changes are yielding dividends, no matter if the bulk of the players are in Europe. All we crave for is the best collection of players for Nigeria. It isn’t any player’s birthright. If you lose form, you sit at home and watch others play for glory.

    Nigeria is ranked 38th in the world and fourth in Africa. This setting will ensure that we are seeded for the Russia 2018 World Cup, especially if we can beat South Africa today and Cameroon later in August. A top 20 ranking in the world by next year will help the Eagles play quality games against Grade A football-playing countries, such as Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Italy, Holland and England. This will increase the revenue of the NFF since international brands will want to showcase their wares in the high profile matches.

    Besides, our players will be exposed to bigger contracts in Europe at their terms, not the slavish deals that some have signed. They have nothing to say when it comes to choosing between clubs and country where there is a clash of fixtures.

    The South Africans arrived here on Wednesday night and trained on Thursday in Uyo, which they have described as their home, having not lost there. But how does Baxter intend to play his boys against the Eagles and what does he want to achieve?

    These questions Baxter answered when he said: “I think they’re a playing team. They’ve got a lot of players who want the ball into feet. They attack space because they’ve got speed upfront. If they build up they will attack space in-between and behind our defenders in the last third.

    “Maybe they don’t have the same extreme physical capabilities of the earlier Nigerian teams. But I think that they are still physical in their approach to the game. They want to press the ball immediately after they lose it. They want to get in your face. I’m sure that they want to drive the tempo of the game on. I’m hoping that there will be a bit of that physicality about it. Because then I think our mobility‚ and our speed and skill‚ will come to the fore.”

    “And we know that we’ve got to be good at getting out of that first pressure. If we do that‚ and the game opens slightly‚ then we have a chance to use our speed and mobility and hit them. And we may decide to press them really high. Or we may decide to drop off and create the space behind them for our quicker players to go into. It doesn’t really matter.

    “But we’ve got to make sure that if we go‚ we go together. And if we stay‚ we stay together. And when we win the ball that we’re calm enough to get out of their pressure‚ and then use what we are good at,” Baxter remarked.

    Tactics and counter plots will highlight today’s game, with the fans having full value for their money and time. Happily, the Eagles are not talking about how they hope to thrash the visitors. They are focused on the game. The team’s captain Ogenyi Onazi craves for respect from the South Africans. Well said, Onazi. Let your feet do the talking, boys. Good luck. Up Nigeria!

     

    Rare gem Ronaldo

     

    The UEFA Champions League finals turned out to be an anti-climax. Many pundits expected a closely fought game between Real Madrid and Juventus FC of Italy. But the Italians froze on Saturday. They lacked ideas against a rampaging Madrid revving on the tremendous ball skills, speed and superb goal poaching instinct of Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Ronaldo was the standout performer of the night. He threw into the trash bin any comparison with Barcelona FC’s mercurial player Lionel Messi. The next World Footballer of the Year is without any doubt Ronaldo. He has earned it, showing that with determination, everything is possible. Ronaldo is truly a rare gem. We had thought it was Messi but with the way Ronaldo is going, his records may be unequalled in the 22nd Century if he sustains this form in the next two years.

    Ronaldo made the game so easy. He interpreted his manager Zinedine Zidane’s tactics with gusto and struck the ball into the net twice, especially his second goal, with the speed of light – no hyperbole intended. His markers were awed. They looked at each other in shock, wondering how Ronaldo slipped through two markers for that brilliant third goal but Ronaldo’s second.

    Ronaldo’s speed exposed the ageing Juventus players who froze in defining moments of the game, especially with the third goal. The Juventus manager was clueless. His only game plan was to defend against a team that takes delight in scoring goals. The better side deservedly won the trophy. Hala Madrid!

     

    Sleep well Stephen Okechukwu Keshi

     

    Wednesday was exactly one year that Nigeria’s legend Stephen Okechukwu Keshi passed away in shocking circumstances. The late Keshi had troublesome knee problem, which eventually led to his death. Keshi left unmatchable records in the game as a player and as a coach.

    I hope that our players will use today’s game to bring cheers to Nigerians by beating the South Africans groggy with goals. The last time the South Africans were in Uyo, they earned a pulsating 2-2 draw, which ended Nigeria’s dream of playing at the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations which the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon won.

    Keshi was a pitiable sight after the game at the Nest of Champions Stadium last year. I challenge the players today to make us proud. Keshi gave the Eagles his best and it is that mentality he tried to imbibe in his players.

    It won’t be out of place if the boys dedicate today’s victory to the Big Boss’ memory. Continue to rest in perfect peace Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, aka Olubodun ti o te ri. Keshi loved being called Allan Ball, because he tailored his playing style after that of the England legend. Keshi was a great Liverpool FC fan. Big Boss, you never walked alone. Sleep well.

  • SOUTH AFRICA 1-1 NIGERIA: Bafana cancel Musa’s goal

    SOUTH AFRICA 1-1 NIGERIA: Bafana cancel Musa’s goal

    SuperEagles of Nigeria were forced to a 1-1 draw by Bafana Bafana of South Africa in an international friendly match played at the Mbombela Stadium.

    Ahmed Musa thought he had handed the Super Eagles a victory, before Bongani Zungu salvaged a draw for Bafana Bafana.

    CSKA Moscow forward Musa was handed the captain’s arm band for the Nigerian side. The speedy star deputised as the skipper of the side in the absence of Vincent Enyeama, who was ruled out of the match as a result of back problem.

    Warri Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, who impressed in training, pipped Kano Pillars’ goal minder Theophilus Afelokhai to the number one spot.

    Germany-based Leon Balogun, Middlesbrough’s Kenneth Omeruo, Chima Akas and Nelson Ogbonnaya started as the back four.

    SS Lazio ace Ogenyi Onazi, Reading’s Hope Akpan and exciting youngster Kingsley Sokari all played in midfield while Gent’s Moses Simon, Ahmed Musa and Aaron Samuel played upfront.

    The first save of the game was made by Itumeleng Khune and it was an easy one from Aaron Samuel’s free kick.

    South Africa come close after working the ball forward and Bongani Zungu had his shot tipped over by Daniel Akpeyi, before the Warri Wolves goal minder was at alert to prevent a goal bound header.

    Nigeria’s attack led by the tireless Aaron Samuel was putting some pressure on Bafana Bafana defence, who held firm.

    There was an early blow for the Super Eagles when Kenneth Omeruo was taken off for an injury and he was replaced by former Sunshine Stars skipper Godfrey Oboabona.

    Both teams came close to scoring in the opening 24 minutes. But they were not precise in their attacking play. Bafana Bafana came close to grabbing the first goal of the match. Tokelo Rantie broke free, but his shot was blocked by the big frame of Leon Balogun.

    Some impressive build up play from Bafana Bafana ended up with Andile Jali’s shot being deflected over the Nigeria goal.

    Andile Jali almost got some reward for chasing down Daniel Akpeyi. It only went out for a throw, but it was indicative of the pressure the South African players were applying to the Nigerians when in possession.

    A South Africa free-kick was blazed past the Nigeria goal. It was off target but not a bad effort.

    Another South African free-kick ended up in a goal-kick, before Nigeria’s Aaron Samuel fired a shot just wide of Itumeleng Khune’s goal. First half of the match ended 0-0.

    South Africa’s pressure on the Nigeria defence paid off, as substitute John Ogu got a yellow card. Nigeria had a free kick from a deep position. In the end it was neither a shot nor a cross and the ball went harmlessly over Itumeleng Khune’s goal.

    South Africa were awarded a well deserved penalty kick when Thulani Serero managed to get the ball out of his feet just in time to be fouled by Godfrey Oboabona and the match referee pointed straight to the spot in the 61st minute.

    Daniel Akpeyi saved Andile Jali’s spot kick and the clearance on the follow up was almost an own goal, but it bounced off the post and was eventually cleared out to safety.

    Nigeria applied the high pressure and almost got an opportunity from it, but South Africa managed to clear.

    Some good football from South Africa got Erick Mathoho to the byline, but there was nobody waiting for his cutback. It was the kind of play that might have cut through the defence if there was somebody waiting in the box to get on the end of it. South Africa had the chance to sneak a late winner with a free kick. It was not far out the box and quite central, making this a pretty good chance to finally beat Daniel Akpeyi.

    Sibusiso Khumalo’s effort took a deflection and went out for a corner as South Africa kept up the pressure. The corner was deep and relatively tame, allowing Daniel Akpeyi to come out and gather it with ease.

    Ahmed Musa then silenced the hosts in 85th minute from a wonderful strike. He cut in from the left flank and curled it into the far corner. Itumeleng Khune just got his fingertips to it but he couldn’t keep it out of the top corner. It was a great goal.

    South Africa pressed forward for a much needed equaliser and were rewarded at added time. Thusa Phala saw his effort parried by Daniel Apkeyi to the path of Bongani Zungu who bundled the ball home.

    How they started:

    Super Eagles Starting XI: Daniel Akpeyi, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Chima Akas, Hope Akpan, Ogenyi Onazi, Kingsley Sokari, Moses Simon, Aaron Samuel, Ahmed Musa (c)

    Substitutes: Aluko, Babatunde, Afelokhai, Latifu, Akanbi, Oboabona, Egwuekwe, Ukoh, Ighalo, Ogu

    South Africa Starting XI: Itumeleng Khune, Thulani Hlatshwayo (c), Eric Mathoho, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thabo Matlaba, Oupa Manyisa, Bongani Zungu, Andile Jali, Thulani Serero, Tokelo Rantie, Sibusiso Vilakazi

    Substitutes: Mabokgwane, Khuzwayo, Nhlapo, Cardoso, Khumalo, Mokotjo, Alexander, Masango, Patosi, Phala, Majoro, Ntshangase

  • ‘Bafana will end Eagles jinx’

    ‘Bafana will end Eagles jinx’

    As another day of reckoning between Nigeria and South Africa draws near in an international friendly, South Africa Football Association (SAFA) Media Officer, Matlhomola Morake, says its about time for the Bafana Bafana to finally break the jinx with a win against The Super Eagles on Sunday in Mbombela.

    In an exclusive interview with www.footballlive.ng, Morake recounted the recent meetings of the sides where he claims the Eagles barely escaped with their feathers.

    ”In Cape Town we played a goalless draw, we did very well in that match, a game we thought we could have won but we fluffed several chances even though Nigeria were solid defensively.

    ”Then there was another close shave for the Eagles in Uyo. We led 2-0 until the latter stages of that game and the whole team rued the missed chances, so we’re looking forward to correcting all of that when we meet on Sunday in Mbombela.”

    Nigeria will face South Africa in the second and concluding fixture of the March friendlies, but have started poorly with a shocking 1-0 loss at home to Uganda.

    Daniel Amokachi’s team got some stick from fans after their lackluster showing at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.

    On the other hand Shakes Mashaba and his Bafana Bafana team raced past neighbours Swaziland 3-1 and are fired up as they look to build after a poor showing at the AFCON in Equatorial Guinea.

    However, Morake expects a tough encounter regardless of the Eagles’ current fortunes.  Hear him:  “We expect a difficult game as Nigerian teams always seem to be tough to play and it’s going to be very hard to ask the players, but we believe it is time to get our win this time around.”

  • SAFA to confirm Nigeria, South Africa friendly

    SAFA to confirm Nigeria, South Africa friendly

    South Africa Football Association (SAFA) will later on Friday confirm a high-profile friendly against Nigeria for March 29, africanFootball.com reports.

    Earlier this week officials denied that the match was in the offing.

    Officials told africanFootball.com that the match will either be played in Free State or Johannesburg.

    Nigeria had planned a friendly with West African perennial rivals Ghana for March 29 in London, but world football governing body FIFA called it off because it was against the rule for a team to play international friendlies within two continents that will involve more than five hours flying time between the continents.

    Nigeria will now play Bolivia on March 26 in Uyo before flying out to South Africa for another friendly with Bafana Bafana three days later.

    Last October, Bafana upstaged the Super Eagles in Uyo to qualify for the 2015 African Nations Cup after the South Africans were forced to a 2-2 draw.

  • Nigeria out of AFCON 2015

    Nigeria out of AFCON 2015

    …Drew 2-2 with South Africa in Uyo

    … Congo defeats Sudan in Khartoum

    African champions, Nigeria will not defend its  title at next-year’s tournament in Equatorial Guinea after playing a disappointing 2-2 draw with South Africa in Wednesday’s African Nations Cup qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

    South Africa got its two goals through Tokelo Rantie, while Sone Aluko who plies his trade with Hull City in the English Premiership League, salvaged some pride for Nigeria by scoring two goals for the Eagles, the last coming in the 93rd minute.

    With this result, Nigeria will not be in the East African country for the continent’s premier soccer tournament next January.

    Nigeria finished third in group A with eight points, two behind second placed Congo who defeated Sudan 1-0 in Khartoum.

    South Africa has already qualified for the tournament before Wednesday’s show down in Uyo.

     

  • Ike uche unveils new boots for Congo, Bafana cracker

    Ike uche unveils new boots for Congo, Bafana cracker

    Nigerians will see recalled Super Eagles striker, Ikechukwu Uche put on a new pair of adidas boots when the country takes on Republic of the Congo in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers at the Pointe Noire stadium on November 15.

    The Villarreal striker, who has been included in coach Stephen Keshi’s 25 man squad for the double header fixture against Sudan and South Africa, celebrated his return by unveiling a new set of boots and thanking his sponsor, Adidas on his official twitter handle.

    “@ikeuche9: My new shoes #PredatorInstinct, thanks @adidas_ES!”, he twitted.

    Nigeria have scored just five goals and conceded the same number in four matches in the ongoing qualifying rounds where they are now third on Group A log with four points behind leaders, South Africa (8points)and Congo (7points).

    However, the inclusion of the former Getafe striker who has scored 18 goals in 44 appearances for the national team, will heave a sigh of relief to fans that have been clamouring for his return.

    Uche, who was unarguably the best Nigerian striker in Europe last season, recently reached a 100 goal-mark in Spain.

     

  • Etafia warns Nigeria must be 120% vs Bafana

    Etafia warns Nigeria must be 120% vs Bafana

    Greg Etafia has said Nigeria must give 120% if they hope to get a result against South Africa in Cape Town on Wednesday.

    Bafana are on a high after a 3-0 win in Sudan on Friday and will now fancy their chances against a Super Eagles team who were stunned 3-2 at home by Congo at the weekend.

    Moroka Swallows of South Africa shot stopper Etafia has said his native Nigeria must give their best against Bafana, if they hope to win and get their AFCON 2015 qualifying campaign back on track.

    “Bafana Bafana players were given confidence to express themselves, they are rebuilding and the fact that they don’t have a mandate to qualify means they are not under pressure,” said Etafia.

    “Eagles must be at their best, give 100%, even 120% to beat a very determined South Africa.

    “Their danger man is (Sibusiso) Vilakaze, but they play as a team.”