16 November 2018, by: Thabang Kgeledi
BAFANA BAFANA will beat NIGERIA – Heres Why
Thabang Kgeledi is back and this time he’s making bold predictions about Bafana Bafana’s chances against Nigeria in their crucial AFCON Qualifier.
Fasten your seat belts people, this is going to be a good one!
Bafana Bafana take on Nigeria in a crucial AFCON qualifier on Saturday afternoon at the FNB stadium. A win guarantees Bafana qualification but, a loss or a draw, could complicate things.
Thulani Serero calling on all football fans to support the National team?? on 17 November 2018 as they take on Nigeria in the AFCON Qualifiers.#ComeShowYourLove #Get2TheGame @SAFA_net @BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/Eutmia4Vna
— StadiumManagementSA (@OfficialSMSA) November 14, 2018
Bafana Bafana are second in their AFCON qualification group on eight points, one point behind Nigeria who are on nine, and four points behind Libya on four. A Libya win against Seychelles (which highly likely) and Bafana loss against Nigeria, would mean Libya would only need three points against Bafana (which is equally as likely) to qualify.
It’s. That. Serious.
I usually don’t expect much from Bafana Bafana in these circumstances because (a) they usually disappoint, (b) they usually crumble under pressure and, (c) God blessed me with common sense. However, I’m not worried, neither should you. Here are 7 reasons why Bafana Bafana is definitely going to win against Nigeria on Saturday.
??| The last time Bafana Bafana played against Nigeria, goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau helped South Africa to a memorable win in Uyo! #Afcon2019Q #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/1vcJQ5RnRn — Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) November 15, 2018
South Africa beat Nigeria 2-0 in Uyo in June last year in their opening game of the qualifiers. It’s not often South African beat Nigeria in a competitive soccer game. Bafana Bafana have the psychological edge because they have broken the hoodoo.
Odion Ighalo is the Nigeria’s AFCON Qualifiers leading scorer with 6 goals. Ighalo had to withdraw from the Super Eagles squad because of injury. Nigeria doesn’t have anyone else who is as lethal as he is in front of goal.
Well… something like that.
Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, Udinese’s William Troost-Ekong and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Leon Balogun came into the Nigerian training camp with slight knocks. Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr is confident the players will be available for Saturday’s game. However, they will not be 100%. This gives South African defenders the opportunity to “leave something on them” early in the game to test their fitness.
As the saying goes, If you can’t beat them – motivate them by offering R360 000 for each goal they score. Nigerian Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has promised to give the Super Eagles $25, 000 (R360 000) per goal in Saturday afternoon’s game. That incentive proves Nigeria are scared. History has shown motivating soccer players with money never to works. The ploy by the politician will certainly backfire.
Victor Moses can only save his career with Super Eagles return – Babayaro https://t.co/Qj2M3sqAbV pic.twitter.com/NZLEdMoPfE
— Daily Post Nigeria (@DailyPostNGR) November 11, 2018