By Ben Efe
Confidence is low in the rank and file of the Super Eagles after losing 1-0 to visiting Cranes of Uganda last Wednesday at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo.
But as they prepare to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana this afternoon in Mbombela in the Eastern part of South Africa, the Eagles and their coaches are hoping to grind out a result that will massage their bruised egos.
After winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, the Super Eagles seem to have been doing a backward dance, a development which saw them missing out at the 2015 tournament in Equatorial Guinea. Perhaps, it is the tell tale of the crisis of confidence between the Nigeria Football Federation and coach Stephen Keshi. The flagging fortunes of the team meant that the dark days are not yet over. However, the out come of this not so friendly match against the Bafana Bafana will give Nigerian fans a peep into the future of the team.
“I just hope we can come out of this game with flying colours. I believe in the squad and with the coaches we have I think we can make it happen,” said striker John Ogu.
“These are the kind of games we need because they will help to build the team and the confidence that the team is lacking right now. I think if we keep playing these sort of games before the AFCON qualifiers, it will be good for us,”added the player
The South Africans on the other hand are set to compound issues for the Super Eagles, as they are determined to reduce the deficit of losses to the Nigerian team. Coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba almost led the Bafana Bafana to a famous defeat of the Super Eagles during the AFCON qualifiers in Uyo. The Eagles rallied round to cancel two first half goals.
Shakes Mashaba’s men will now look to build on that result when they face the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles however, have history on their side, having lost just one of their 11 encounters against South Africa.
“There is history between the two nations and a great rivalry,” Mashaba said.
“We want to win that match at all cost and we need South Africans to come in their large numbers, we need your support South Africa.
“In our recent matches against Nigeria we drew in both matches.”
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