The Finidi George era starts officially for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the stage cannot be bigger than a FIFA World Cup qualifying contest against one of Nigeria’s arch rivals, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Nigeria and South Africa have started to play catch-up early in Group C with both teams fourth and third respectively before the kickoff on Friday. Considering they are the biggest sides in the group on paper, the importance of this game in Uyo cannot be overemphasised.
Read through our Classic Preview for the game.
DREADED BAFANA
For the first time in a long while, Nigerians are cautious ahead of a matchup with South Africa. The West Africans have always believed they have the mojo against The Boys but recent meetings between both sides seem to have lent some humble pies to the Nigerians.
When you also consider the fact that in South Africa’s two previous visits to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, the Bafana Bafana avoided defeat, earning their only competitive win over the Super Eagles in the process, then you can understand the skepticism among Nigerians.
The last meeting between both sides will also linger on in memories. A pulsating AFCON semi-final duel in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire which the Super Eagles edged on penalties. The South Africans will have some sort of revenge exacting mission in mind as they take to the pitch, adding some fresh dimension to the game.
One positive for Nigeria though is that the last time South Africa coach Hugo Broos led a team to Uyo after a great AFCON campaign (like South Africa had), his side were torn apart by the Nigerians – a 4-0 win over Cameroon in 2017.
INJURY WORRIES
Nigeria have the biggest blow going into the game with reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen ruled out of the twin qualifiers against South Africa and Benin due to injury. He joined other senior players William Troost-Ekong and Daddy Moses Simon in being sidelined for the game.
Aside the trio, Nigeria also had some hit during their training sessions ahead of Friday’s game with AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze picking up a knock on Wednesday which took him out of the team’s final training session on Thursday. Although he remains part of the team, it remains to be seen if he will participate in any form.
Since the game is coming after a long grueling season for the players, it is expected that both teams will have things to worry about. For South Africa, centre back Grant Kekana was injured in last weekend’s Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates and subsequently replaced in the squad by Kaizer Chiefs’ Given Msimango.
There is also still some question marks surrounding the participation of Kekana’s teammate Khuliso Mudau who was also injured in the game but has stayed with the national team.
WHAT THEY SAY:
Nigeria head coach Finidi George:
“We have trained so well. The players are fully prepared for this game. They know the task ahead and we are good to go. I have no doubts about the capacity of the players. We know that Nigerians are passionate about victory, they love and support good football and victory too so will try to make them proud.
“This is a World Cup qualifier, I think we will play differently, this is going to be a different ball game. We will see how it will all play out, I am quite confident in our capacity and what we will do tomorrow [tonight].”
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos:
“Games which are done are done, so tomorrow [tonight] is another game, it is a new game. We are confident because since AFCON everyone in South Africa is starting to believe in the team, because the results were so good. We get into the match against Nigeria with confidence and belief.
“We all know that Nigeria is a very good team, we played against them in AFCON – the result was different to what we used to. That means both teams are good, and I think the pressure is slightly on Nigeria because they can lose points at home.”
MATCH DETAILS:
Match: Nigeria vs South Africa
Venue: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
Time: 8pm local time
Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
