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Bafana ready for the Nigerian onslaught

───   MORGAN PIEK 14:19 Tue, 13 Nov 2018

Bafana ready for the Nigerian onslaught | News Article
Stuart Baxter - BackpagePix

That national football team, Bafana Bafana, expect a tough outing on Saturday when they host the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their crucial 2019 AFCON Qualifier.


Nigeria top Group E on 9 points after four rounds, and for South Africa, it is a must-win game following their draw to Seychelles.

When these two teams met in round one of the qualifiers, South Africa beat Nigeria 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Akwa.

South Africa is expecting that the Super Eagles to come out all guns blazing in order to set the record straight from that defeat more than a year ago.

The coach, Stuart Baxter, says the match will be their biggest of the year.

“This Nigeria game is big, and it’s a game with a big reputation.

“I hope that because many South Africans will want us to win that many of the supporters will get themselves to the stadium, and show Percy (Tau) and the boys that they are behind them.

“That’s my hope and that’s my belief.

Baxter added that although there have been some injury concerns and scares, such as that of Thulani Seroro, there is still more than enough depth, talent and desire for Bafana to be competitive in the game.

“I think we have still enough talent‚ enough desire and if we can structure a game plan in the next three or four days‚ I think by the time we run out onto the field we would be confident.

“We would not be complacent‚ because Nigeria has just come from a World Cup in Russia.

“They are undefeated since we beat them the last time and they will certainly want to wreak their revenge.

“So‚ we will be ready, and I still believe that we have a very good chance of getting the result that we need.”

The match is a high-pressure game for Baxter as well, as there have been reports that the English tactician will be axed should South Africa fail to qualify for next year's AFCON.

Saturday’s clash at the FNB Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport

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