2015 Nations Cup Qualifier: South Africa Vs Nigeria (Preview)

Date: Wednesday, 10th September, 2014

Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa

Time: 7pm

South Africa cruised to a 3-0 win against Sudan in their first match of the 2015 African Nations Cup qualifiers.

They will be looking to consolidate their perfect start by taking advantage of a Nigerian side who were made to pay for an abysmal display by losing at home to Congo. Although South Africa’s record against Nigeria is poor, they will be looking to win only their second match in nine meetings with Nigeria. Their last win against Nigeria came in 2004. Despite the loss to Congo, South Africa’s Coach, Mashaba is conservative on his country’s chances. He said, “We are meeting our nemesis but my gut feel(ing) is that all that is about to change”.

Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi has a lot of work to do in order to raise the morale of his boys. He refused to be deterred by the loss to Congo. After the game he said, “Everybody is going to lose someday. We cannot win all the games all the time”. Keshi will be hoping for an improved performance on Wednesday.

SQUADS:

SOUTH AFRICA

Goal Keepers: S. Meyiwa, D. Keet

Defenders: T. Hlatshwayo, D. Keet, S. Khumalo, R. Mphahlele, T. Matlaba, N. Nyauza, E. Mathoho, R. Mphahlele, A. Ngcongca, R. Coetzee

Midfielders: N. Ntuli, K. Dolly, S. Vilakazi, T. Zwane, D. Furman, M. Masango, O. Manyisa, A. Jali, K. Mokotjo

Forwards: B. Ndulala, D. Zulu, T. Rantie

NIGERIA

Goalkeepers: A. Ejide, C. Agbim, D. Obiazor

Defenders: A. Egwuekwe, K. Omeruo, K. Odunlami, E. Echiejile, J. Oshaniwa, E. Ambrose, G. Oboabona

Midfielders: J. Mikel Obi, O. Onazi, R. Azeez, J. Obi, N. Igiebor, O. Aluko

Forwards: U. Nwofor, N. Oduamadi, C. Osaguona, A. Musa, E. Emenike, C. Obasi, G. Salami, I. Uche

HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS:

Below are the head-to-head results of clashes between these two sides in their last five games.

17th Nov. 2004          South Africa   2  1      Nigeria            International Friendly

1st June 2008             Nigeria            2  0      South Africa   FIFA WCQ

6th Sept. 2008            South Africa   0  1      Nigeria            FIFA WCQ

14th Aug. 2013          South Africa  0  2      Nigeria            International Friendly

19th Jan. 2014            South Africa  1  3      Nigeria            CHAN

The Bafana Bafana have played nine games with Nigeria, Losing 7, drawing 1 and winning only 1 whilst scoring 3 and conceding 19 in the process.

LAST FIVE GAMES

SOUTH AFRICA      L L D D W

NIGERIA                      D W L L L

FIFA RANKING AS AT AUGUST

SOUTH AFRICA – 69th

NIGERIA  – 33rd