The AFCON qualifier series hits home stretch tomorrow as six slots are up for grabs.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria hosts Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the last round of matches in group A fixture. The match which will be played in Akwa-Ibom state in their new ultra modern, state-of-the-art stadium is set to have 30,000 fans in attendance who are ready to cheer the Eagles to one of her sweetest victories.
Prior to this game, Nigeria found herself in a precarious situation after succumbing to a defeat at home to Congo, away to Sudan and a draw against their next visitor. But amends were made after a 2-0 win against Congo in front of their fans at Pointe Noire in Congo Brazzavile. Goals from returnee striker Ikechukwu Uche and Aaron Samuel ensured that the Eagles remain in the quest for an adrenalin finish to the qualifiers.
South Africa on the other hand are already home and dry, after defeating Sudan at home, but their bad record against the Super Eagles who have never been defeated in a competitive fixture against South Africa sets the tone for this fixture.
Nigeria will be without midfielder Hope Akpan when they take on South Africa in Wednesday’s must-win 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying game in Uyo. The Reading FC midfielder pulled his shoulder during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Congo in Pointe-Noire.
Akpan was caught during routine clearance of a free kick and was stretched off in the 51st minute to be replaced by Sone Aluko, moments before Ikechukwu Uche scored the Super Eagles’ first goal via a penalty.The South Africans will definitely attempt to give Nigeria a bitter blow by avoiding defeat, but if there was a fixture the Super Eagles do not have to lose their sleep on, it is this one; the Keshi-tutored boys know that the stakes are even higher on our side this time around and his team must smell victory in their game and avoid panic even if they concede first in order to book a ticket to Equitorial Guinea.
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This article was first published on 18th November 2014
obimartins
Martins Okafor is a Sports Writer for Connect Nigeria. He has been a sport buff for years, following stories and development in leagues and international competitions. His interest led him to writing stories – reporting on sporting events. He has superior interest in soccer, but knows much about other sports. He plans to have a blog and to advance in sport journalism. You can email him at: obimartins85 [at] gmail.com
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The AFCON qualifier series hits home stretch tomorrow as six slots are up for grabs.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria hosts Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the last round of matches in group A fixture. The match which will be played in Akwa-Ibom state in their new ultra modern, state-of-the-art stadium is set to have 30,000 fans in attendance who are ready to cheer the Eagles to one of her sweetest victories.
Prior to this game, Nigeria found herself in a precarious situation after succumbing to a defeat at home to Congo, away to Sudan and a draw against their next visitor. But amends were made after a 2-0 win against Congo in front of their fans at Pointe Noire in Congo Brazzavile. Goals from returnee striker Ikechukwu Uche and Aaron Samuel ensured that the Eagles remain in the quest for an adrenalin finish to the qualifiers.
South Africa on the other hand are already home and dry, after defeating Sudan at home, but their bad record against the Super Eagles who have never been defeated in a competitive fixture against South Africa sets the tone for this fixture.
Nigeria will be without midfielder Hope Akpan when they take on South Africa in Wednesday’s must-win 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying game in Uyo. The Reading FC midfielder pulled his shoulder during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Congo in Pointe-Noire.
Akpan was caught during routine clearance of a free kick and was stretched off in the 51st minute to be replaced by Sone Aluko, moments before Ikechukwu Uche scored the Super Eagles’ first goal via a penalty.The South Africans will definitely attempt to give Nigeria a bitter blow by avoiding defeat, but if there was a fixture the Super Eagles do not have to lose their sleep on, it is this one; the Keshi-tutored boys know that the stakes are even higher on our side this time around and his team must smell victory in their game and avoid panic even if they concede first in order to book a ticket to Equitorial Guinea.
