Julius OkorieIf there are two things in the mind of the Super Eagles, as they file out against the Bafana Bafana, of South Africa today, it is to pocket three maximum points on one hand and to maintain an already impressive record against South Africa on the other.
Both sides have met a record 12 times and Nigeria have been the dominant side, winning on six occasions, pulling draws in five and losing only once to their hard fighting opponents.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe last of the victories over South Africa, was the semifinals of the last AFCON held in Cote d’ Ivoire.
The said match, was then dubbed, final before final as it produced nail-biting moments, that left fans of both sides both home and in Bouake venue of the match at the edge of their seats.
It was the Eagles then, led by former coach, Jose Pesseiro, assisted by the current coach, Finidi George, that triumphed on a 4-2 penalty, after extra time.
Nigeria will head into this match in fourth place in Group C, with two points in as many games, while the visitors are on three points and trail group leaders, Rwanda, by one point.
Hugo Broos’s side are still within striking distance of top spot, though, and are aiming to reach the World Cup main draw for the fourth time in their history and their first since 2010 when they hosted the grand spectacle.
Contrary to initial report that goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who saved four penalties out of five against Cape Verde, in Cote d Ivoire, will not be part of the South African squad due to injury, Williams indeed made the team to Uyo and is likely to man the post against the Super Eagles.
Meanwhile, soccer fans in Uyo, are reportedly upbeat ahead of today’s match billed for 8pm at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Some soccer fans who bared their minds ahead of today’s match said they were happy to see the Eagles return to the Nest of Champions, Uyo, and hoped that their return will ensure the needed victory as the Eagles work towards their 7th appearance at the World Cup in 2026 in the USA and Canada.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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