Super Eagles on verge of AFCON finals
Aformer international, Tijani Babangida has said Super Eagles opponents in today’s AFCON 2019 qualifier, South Africa will be tough opponents.
Speaking to Daily Trust on Saturday, the former Ajax Amsterdam winger said the South Africans will be motivated by their 2-0 victory in the first leg of the Group E match.
It will be recalled that the Super Eagles suffered their first defeat to South Africa in a competitive match on June 10, 2017 in their opening match of 2019 AFCON qualifiers in Uyo.
Babangida, therefore, said the victory in Uyo will inspire the Bafana Bafana to go for another win over the Super Eagles.
He, however, said with the current form of the Super Eagles, victory is possible for the Gernot Rohr’s men in today’s clash.
The member of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics winning Dream Team I also said despite injury to Wilfred Ndidi and Odion Ighala, the Super Eagles can get back their pound of flesh from the South Africans.
“It is not going to be an easy match for the Super Eagles. Their opponents are motivated by the 2-0 victory in Uyo.
“The historic victory will certainly inspire them to go for the double against the Super Eagles.
“Although it will be a difficult match, I still believe the Super Eagles can get a good result against South Africa.
“My confidence is based on the good form of Super Eagles players. Most of them are playing regularly for their clubs in Europe.
“It is true at least three Super Eagles players are out injured but that is not enough to deny the team victory in South Africa,” he said.
Babangida, therefore, advised the Super Eagles to be focused and go for at least a draw.
According to him, the South Africans will be all out for victory to reclaim leadership of the group so the Eagles can catch them on quick counter attacks.
“We must not throw caution to the wind but there will be need for quick counter attacks because the Bafana Bafana will try to pile pressure on us.
“There will be no need to sit back and defend throughout the match.
“Eagles too will have to push for victory but it must be done with caution,” he advised.