The Super Eagles have advanced into the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, and will face South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, for a place in the semi-final of the continental showcase.
Coach Gernot Rohr described Bafana Bafana as the favorite to win the game after their shocking defeat of continental leaders, Egypt, in the knockout rounds.
It has come down to a war of words, as South Africa coach Stuart Baxter dismissed Rohr’s claim that he side is the favorite to win a place in the semifinal.
Stuart believes Rohr is just playing the ‘hype game’ seeing as both teams have everything to lose when they meet.
“Nigeria is absolutely one of the best teams on the continent and have been for a long time. One game doesn’t make us favorites. I don’t think he’s (Rohr) fooling anybody.
“When we hit a balance between a good organisation and getting on the ball and playing with pace and using our natural inherent technique we can give anybody a game.
“We’ll be respecting Nigeria but not fearing them. We will have to produce a very good South Africa performance to beat them.”
Baxter
Recall that Nigeria and South Africa were grouped together during the qualifying round of the AFCON tournament.
South Africa defeated Nigeria 2-0 in Uyo, before playing a 1-1 draw at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.
So far, the Eagles have had a good run through to the quarter final of the competition including defeating defending champions, Cameroon. However, there is a lot the team must work on if they must triumph over Bafana Bafana.
Source:
Guardian NG
Featured Image Source: Soccer Nigeria
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The South African team play with great amount of passion and desire and the way they move the ball around is a beauty to behold
But the Nigerian team is full of experience
We should be able to see this through