AFCON 2019 Qualifier: Eagles assure of victory against Bafana Bafana

Super Eagles Stand-in captain, Ogenyi Onazi, has assured Nigerians of victory against visiting South African side, Bafana Bafana, in the first Group E match slated for Saturday in Uyo.

Onazi who plays for a Turkish professional side, Trabzonspor, told journalists after a training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Tuesday that all the players were still bitter about the 2015 AFCON miss in their match with the South Africans in Uyo which ended in a draw.

He said the players were ready to redeem their lost glory against the South Africans and ensure that Nigeria qualify for AFCON 2019.

He said, “Of course we remember that it was in this stadium that we missed the opportunity to play in AFCON 2015 when we drew with South Africa. It is still in our hearts, we have not forgotten it. Though it is not a grudge match but we are approaching it with all seriousness.

“All we need from Nigerians is their support and prayers because at such times it is only their prayers and support that will help us overcome the challenge”.

He added further that there was perfect blend of the new players with the old ones and all of them were bustling with new spirit and enthusiasm.

Meanwhile Eagle manager, Gernot Rohr, said that he would give limited play time to Moslems in the team including Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi during training sessions because of the Ramadan fasting by Moslems worldwide.

Rohr who described South Africa as his strongest opponent so far as Super Eagles coach however expressed optimism that the professionalism in the current crop of players would see them overpower South Africa on Saturday.

“They are the strongest opponent I will face so far as Eagles coach because they have not lost a match over a long time. I am also aware that they stopped Nigeria from getting to the AFCON 2015 and that this match is very important to Nigeria”, he said.

He said that though he was missing the services of some of the injured players the new players had made the necessary adjustment and had shown their readiness to make Nigeria proud.

All the invited players were in first training session Tuesday under the guidance of Gernot Rohr and his assistants except for Elderson Echiejile and Ahmed Musa.

Preparations are also in top gear by the host, Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure a hitch free match with some of the facilities at the match venue undergoing tests on a daily basis.