South Africa Awaits Most 'Prestigious' Match

[Folami David]

This Wednesday will be the first time since 2004 that Nigeria's Super Eagles will face their South African counterparts, the Bafana Bafana, in the Nelson Mandela Challenge.
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For the Nigerians, it will be their second appearance in the Challenge and this time as African champions after winning the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
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Stephen Keshi and his men return to the same country this Wednesday where they won the 2013 Afcon in spite of having had the odds stacked against them before the tournament kicked off in January this year.
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However, the last time the Super Eagles took part in
the Nelson Mandela Challenge they succumbed to a
1-2 defeat.
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This time Keshi sees this clash as a big game and has some of his big stars like Victor Moses, Austin Ejide, Sunday Mba, Godfrey Oboabona, Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Shola Ameobi, Ogenyi Onazi, Obinna Nsofor and Brown Ideye among others in the squad.
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But the African champions will be without the trio of John Obi Mikel, Emmanuel Emenike and Kenneth Omeruo.
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South Africa go into this tie depleted following
injuries and withdrawals.
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Already, Bafana Bafana head coach, Gordon Igesund, will name his squad without Anele Ngcongca, Bevan Fransman, Bennett Chenene and Innocent Mdledle.
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Also, six players in Andile Jali, Senzo Meyiwa,
Thandani Ntshumayelo, Thabo Matlaba, Oupa
Manyisa and Daine Klate were withdrawn by Orlando
Pirates.
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But Igesund has captain Itumeleng Khune, Dean
Furman and Malmo FF striker, Tokelo Rantie in his
squad for this clash.
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Bafana Bafana will come under some stern
examination from the African champions, as Keshi is
expected to field a strong squad.
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Both teams are using this game as rehearsal for their final group games in the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualification for Africa billed for September.
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No doubt, the Nigerians are favourites going into this contest after surrendering a 19-game unbeaten run owing to losses to Uruguay and Spain at this year's Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil.
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The South Africa versus Nigeria match is live on
SuperSport 4 and SuperSport Select this Wednesday
from 6.30pm.

[Shola Sholaz]

It has come and gone and Nigeria came out victorious @ the end of it all. Kudos to Uche Nwafor for the two goals he scored!