By Mark Ogagan
Former Super Eagles, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs strongman, Muisi Ajao has predicted victory for Nigeria ahead of Friday night’s epic World Cup qualifier clash against arch-rivals South Africa.
The Super Eagles host Bafana Bafana in a Group C African zone encounter at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, South-East Nigeria with the game kicking off at 20h00 Nigeria time (21h00 South Africa).
It will be Finidi George’s first competitive game in charge of the Super Eagles following his appointment as substantive coach in April, though a few key players will be missing in action for Nigeria following injuries to Captain William Troost-Ekong, striker Victor Osimhen and winger Moses Simon.
However, Nigerians will be looking forward to their first win in Group C as Finidi looks to kick off his tenure on a bright note.
But Ajao, an outstanding centre back in his active days, has warned Nigeria to be wary of South Africa’s ‘very crafty’ midfield.
Currently dominated by players from Africa’s leading club side Mamelodi Sundowns, Bafana Bafana’s engine room of Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Portugal based Siphephelo Sithole could have their work cut out against Nigeria’s trio of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka .
Previous battles between the powerhouses have always attracted widespread attention, be it at senior, intermediate or women’s levels. Tonight’s World Cup qualifier in Uyo will not be an exception.
Amongst the African zone qualifiers for this weekend, this fixture stands out for several reasons, and according to Ajao, known as The Beast in his playing days, if entertainment and excitement is your desire, look no further.
“Obviously we are looking at a potentially entertaining game where the midfield could decide who wins at the end of the night, says Ajao, who won five international caps under late Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi.
“One could be tempted to say South Africa has a slight advantage because they still have the same coach and squad from the last time we played them. Secondly, their midfield is filled with intelligent ball players who are capable of dictating the pace of the game, but if we can contain them and free our strikers, we could kill the game.
“We must also seize this opportunity to redeem our image having started the qualifiers on the back foot, however, we are coming up against a very dangerous team with good possession, electrifying pace and a world class midfield.
“To curtail their dominance, I’ll advise the Super Eagles coaches to apply the right strategy, play a high-pressing game and match them pace for pace. This will require 110% fitness from our players, and the vocal backing of the home fans in Uyo, but it can be done,” Ajao stated.
The last time Nigeria played South Africa at this same venue was on June 10, 2017, when Bafana Bafana shocked Super Eagles 2-0 in an Egypt 2019 AFCON qualifier.
This time, however, the Super Eagles will be hoping to utilize the best of their home advantage having started the qualifying campaign on a jittery note following consecutive draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Significantly too, Friday’s game will elicit memories from last February’s AFCON tournament when Nigeria eliminated South Africa in a tense AFCON semifinal encounter in Cote d’Ivoire.
“That match will go down in memory as one of the best in terms of entertainment considering the level of sporting rivalry between both countries,” recalls Ajao.
“My only concern is that our team is a bit depleted, plus the players having to adapt to the tactics of a new technical crew, but in the end Nigeria should cruise to victory with a 2-0 margin,” he predicted.
Nigeria currently sits in third place in Group C with two points behind surprise leaders Rwanda (four points), and second placed South Africa (three points).
Discussion about this post