D-Day for Eagles as Nigeria battle for AFCON ticket

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have their back to the wall as they battle the Bafana Bafana of South Africa for the group’s second ticket for the 2015 Nations Cup.

Although there is an age long rivalry between the two countries since their first meeting  in a World Cup qualifier in 1992 which Nigeria convincingly won by 4-0, this is the first time the South Africans will be in the drivers seat.

In terms of record, the Eagles are better against their opponents, winning seven out of their eleven meetings, while South Africa have won only once.

But that is as far as records can go.

Today, South Africa are in the drivers seat haven annexed the top spot with eleven points from three matches and qualification already guaranteed.

Buoyed by the confidence of their away win against Congo last Saturday, the Eagles are primed to continue their winning streak against their perennial rivals at the nest of champions in their new abode of Uyo.

Characteristically, the South Africans are talking tough.

According to coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba under whose belt the team has experienced a resurgence, we are delighted to meeting Nigeria at a time like this. Although, we have already qualified for the Nations Cup, we have a point to prove against the Nigerians who are the African Champions. We have to prove that our place at the top is no accident. We are going into the game with the right mental attitude. We will be happy if we can score goals in Nigeria so that we can end up on a high note,” Mashaba declared.

On his part, Stephen keshi knows that his spell in charge of the team could be over if he fails to pick the maximum points so as to end in second place.

After the debacle in Pointe Noire, Keshi expects his wards to finish up the task by confirming Nigeria’s superiority over the boys from the former apartheid enclave. He would be relying on the super form of the jaunty Vincent Enyeama whose heroics ensured victory against Congo who are also lurking around the bend to snatch the ticket if South Africa throw spanners in the works of the desperate Nigerians.

With two yellow cards ruling out Geofrey Oboabona, the defence line would be marshaled by returnee Kenneth Omeruo, in form Azubuike Egwuekwe, the hard fighting Juwon Oshaniwa  and the sometimes atrocious Efe Ambrose. Mikel Obi whose form last week ensured the Eagles dominance in the midfield is expected to be the team’s anchor to be supported by the energetic Ogenyi Onazi, mobile Ahmed Musa. Ike Uche and Aaron Samuel are expected to spear head the attack with keshi expected to throw all his options into the fray.

Respite may only come for the team if they sustain their impressive run, which restored fans confidence.

According to Keshi,“ We know how important this game is to all Nigerians, so we have no choice that to win so that we can defend our title next year. We wont put the players under too much pressure, but as professionals, they know what is at stake.”