Sports
2019 AFCON Qualifier: Super Eagles On Revenge Mission Against Bafana Bafana
Revenge would be in the minds of Nigeria as the Super Eagles face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the FBN Stadium in Johannesburg.
The last time both teams met in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom, Nigeia, in June, South Africa defeated Nigeria 2-0, leaving the Super Eagles in a tight rope of qualifying for the bi-annual tournament in Cameroon since it was initially the group winners that will qualify automatically.
However, with two teams qualifying for the competition, the three-time Africa champions bounced back to winning ways after returning from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, beating Seychelles 3-0 and Libya twice 4-0 and 3-2 respectively, to top the group with nine points.
On the other hand, South Africa sits second on the table with eight points and can qualify from the group if the Bafana Bafana plays a draw against Nigeria. But a lose may still put the qualification on hold should Libya pull a surprise victory in her next two matches.
Statistics
History favours the Eagles ahead of the crucial clash as the team have won seven of the earlier encounters, drew 4 and lost 2 to the Bafana Bafana, out of their last 13 matches on record.
Injuries
Nigeria will be missing the services of Odion Ighalo and Francis Uzoho due to injuries, while Wilfred Ndidi will also be missing in the action due to accumulated cards.
South Africa will be without several key players also especially in the midfield – with Dean Furman, Keagan Dolly, Kamohlo Mokotjo, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Bongani Zungu all out.
Quotable Quotes
Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr
“Our mission in Johannesburg is simple: qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. We are not thinking of anything else. We want the ticket in our pocket before the final match day.”
Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa
“Our determination is to win and pick our ticket to the AFCON ahead of the final match day next year. South Africa came to Nigeria to beat us and we are here to return the compliment.
“We will not be playing for a draw. We won in Seychelles and against Libya in Tunisia and we are here to win as well,” Musa said.
South Africa coach, Stuart Baxter
“Though we respect Nigeria, we do not fear them. By the time we run out onto the FNB Stadium, we would be confident‚ we would not be complacent.
“They are undefeated since we beat them the last time and they will certainly want to wreak their revenge.
“So‚ we will be ready and I still believe that we have a very good chance of getting the result that we need.”
South Africa international, Hlompho Kekana
“Obviously when you play the Nigerians or any West African teams you have to be ready mentally because they will bully you around. It’s for us to really fight and try to protect our home game – we are going to try by all means to win the match,” he stated.
Centre Referee
Gambian referee, Bakary Papa Gassama, will be in charge of the match day 5 AFCON qualifier tie between South Africa and Nigeria.
The 39-year-old is regarded as one of the best referees on the continent and was among the few Africans selected for the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
This will not be the first time Gassama will be at the centre in Nigeria’s games as he officiated the Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Algeria in Uyo prior to the World Cup.
By Augustine Akhilomen
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, have commended the Super Eagles for their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite their semi-final defeat to Morocco.
Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties to the host nation after a goalless draw over regulation time and extra time on Wednesday, ending the Super Eagles’ bid for a place in the final.
Reacting via his X handle on Thursday, Obi praised the players for their resilience and commitment, urging them to remain focused ahead of the third-place match.
“Dearest gallant Super Eagles, it was a battle well fought, and heads were not bowed.
“Thank you for a beautiful 120 minutes of incredible play. You showed your strength and prowess against all odds.
“The journey is not over. You have made the nation proud. Keep your heads high, the Eagle never stops soaring. There is another stage, let’s go get that medal. You have done well,” Obi wrote.
Also reacting on Facebook on Wednesday, Omokri said the Super Eagles deserved praise for their effort against a formidable host side.
“It was not for want of trying that the Super Eagles lost to Morocco. I am super proud of their effort today, as all Nigerians should be. Great teamwork,” he wrote.
Omokri added that the circumstances of the match made the performance even more commendable.
“It is worth stating that they played against a home squad that has never lost a home game in sixteen years. Yet, with all that pressure, they still gave it their best measure. Well done, Super Eagles!” he said.
Nigeria will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in the tournament’s third-place match on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Senegal, who earlier defeated Egypt 1–0 in their semifinal on Wednesday, will meet Morocco in Sunday’s final for the AFCON 2025 crown.
Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) President Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban for alleged misconduct during the team’s 2-0 defeat by hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations last Friday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said in a statement.
Eto’o was reportedly seen making an angry gesture over refereeing decisions in the presence of CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Players from both sides also jostled each other, and CAF said on Sunday it had opened investigations into violent confrontations during AFCON matches.
CAF’s disciplinary board fined Eto’o $20 000, a decision FECAFOOT said “lacks any explicit justification”.
“The expedited procedure leading to this decision raises serious concerns regarding the fundamental requirements of a fair process,” FECAFOOT said on Thursday, adding it would appeal.
“FECAFOOT reaffirms its support for its president and its commitment to respecting the principles governing credible disciplinary justice,” it added.
Hosts Morocco will play Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero with two saves in the shoot-out as hosts Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to set up an Africa Cup of Nations final showdown this weekend with Senegal after a tense last-four clash on Wednesday finished 0-0 at the end of extra time.
Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and brilliantly from Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
There was joy but also relief for Hamza Igamane, who had appeared distraught after his kick was saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
He was the only Moroccan player to fail to score in the shoot-out, however, with captain and talisman Achraf Hakimi among those who converted their penalties.
Morocco will now play Senegal on Sunday after the Lions of Teranga defeated Mohamed Salah’s Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final earlier thanks to a Sadio Mane goal.
That will be a clash between the top two African sides in the FIFA world rankings and a fitting showpiece for the tournament.
Walid Regragui’s Morocco have been under enormous pressure to deliver a first AFCON title for their country in half a century but will be confident of coming out on top with their support behind them at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
But as their dream remains alive it is an agonising way for Nigeria’s hopes to end, two years they lost the final to the hosts in Ivory Coast.
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