Okocha tips Nigeria to beat South Africa as team open camp
Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha has tipped the Super Eagles to defeat South Africa in the teams’ showdown this coming weekend.
Bafana Bafana will host the West African heavyweights in a matchday five Group E clash in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nigeria lead the group by one point from SA coming into the match, which will see the teams renew their rivalry after Bafana claimed a surprise 2-0 win in Uyo in June last year.
“South Africa and Nigeria is always that kind of match where bragging rights are everything. So that will be a big motivating factor for both teams, especially for us because we lost the first match,” said Okocha, who was in South Africa for a Bundesliga promotion event last week.
“We have a slight advantage. A draw will be enough for us. South Africa are under pressure even though they might be confident because they beat us in the first leg. I know the teams are a little different now but we will take pride in getting revenge.”
He added, “We have a squad of good young players who can turn things around, they have the ability. But our problem is always great expectations. Let’s change our mentality and allow them to mature. The experience they got from the World Cup has built them and they will go on to achieve big things. I believe we’re on the right track.”
South Africa and Nigeria will meet at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 17 November 2018, kick-off at 15h00 CAT.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will open their training camp in Asaba yesterday ahead of this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, the Nigeria Football Federation have announced.
Gernot Rohr’s squad are expected to work out in the Delta State capital for a minimum of three days before flying to Johannesburg for the match day five fixture.
As it is customary when the Super Eagles are undergoing preparations for matches, the Nigerian Federation have permitted fans and the media to feast their eyes on the invited players but only on Wednesday.
What this means is that the training sessions today and Thursday will be held behind closed doors.
A press parley will hold next Monday, November 19, ahead of the international friendly vs Uganda.
The Super Eagles will qualify for their first Africa Cup of Nations since 2013 if they avoid defeat at Soccer City.