Echiejile, Ogu Ready For Mandela Challenge

[Folami David]

Say host country will fall By Johnny Edward Super Eagles stars Elderson Echiejile and John Ogu are looking forward to taking on the Bafana-Bafana of South Africa in next week's Mandela Challenge game in South Africa.
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Nigeria's senior national team is returning to the tournament for the second time after taking part in the 10th edition back in 2004 which the Eagles lost 2-1 at the Ellis Park Stadium and the duo believe the reigning Africa champions will go back more determined to reverse that result.
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"It's always a thing of honour to represent my fatherland and the game against South Africa will be a tough one but we will be out to get a good result," Echiejile stated.
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"Everybody is looking forward to the fixture and no doubt, the build-up will be big," he declared.
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Ogu who has impressed with the Eagles since making his debut also agreed with his Portugal based compatriot, adding that the game will put the team in good frame for the crucial clash against Malawi on the 7th of September.
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"It's a good prelude to the World Cup qualifier against Malawi and I'm certain that no matter the amount of motivation they get, they'll surely fall in Calabar."
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"It is an exciting prospect. It is a kind of occasion and atmosphere one looks forward to," Ogu told Complete Sports.
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The Super Eagles are ranked 35th in the world and fifth on the continent compared to Bafana- Bafana who are in 59 and 9 position respectively.
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The hosts have won the tournament seven times and also lost it on eight occasions, drawing three.
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The last edition saw South Africa losing by a lone goal to Zambia.

[Shola Sholaz]

Echiejile is a fantastic player anytime anyday for the super eagles of Nigeria. He just knows how to hangle the ball as a defender. Good one.