Ahead of Wednesday’s epic AFCON 2023 semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa, the Super Eagles Team Coordinator, Patrick Pascal, has assured that the team will not underrate the Bafana Bafana, Completesports.com reports.
Pascal says the Super Eagles will play the match as if it were a final match adding that they are not banking on previous results or the advantage Nigeria has over the South Africans.
“We will go all out for victory because we are hungry to win the cup again. By the grace of God, we shall wrap up the game during regulation time. We don’t want the game to go into extra time or a penalty shootout. The idea is to settle the game within 90 minutes,” Pascal, a former Super Eagles utility player and Atlanta’96 Olympics gold medalist with the Olympic Eagles told Completesports.com.
Also Read – AFCON 2023: Osimhen Trains With Super Eagles In Bouake
“The South Africans are a very good side and the way they despatched Morocco and Mali is a testament of how good they are. We have seen how they play and we shall do everything possible to disrupt their cohesion and understanding. Our technical crew have dissected their style and know what to do to get victory.”
On Victor Osimhen’s chances of featuring in the game, Pascal said that the reigning Africa footballer of the year has been given the all-clear to play.
The Napoli striker has joined the team’s camp in Bouake and also trained with his teammates on Tuesday evening ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final game.
By Richard Jideaka, Abuja
(Photo by Ganiyu Yusuf, in Bouake)
6 Comments
Osihmen should start 2nd to disrupt the south Africans plans and read the game from bench to enable him score.
Reports suggest that Kelechi Iheanacho was supposed to grant Interview to CAF but was later replaced by Ola Aina lol. Kelechi should’ve just stayed back in England. Ndidi, Boniface and Sadiq all missed AFCON due through injuries, its not the end of the world for them. Even Osimhen missed the last AFCON but won AFOTY two years later. There’s always better days ahead!
You don’t have any point!!!
@Chima E Samuels
He made his own point. Make your own point and stop thinking that anyone who does not think the way you do or does not align with your own point is foolish. There is unity in diversity. One must not agree with you to be counted wise. No one knows it all. What John said is his own opinion and he is entitled to it.
My brother, that’s the bane of Nigeria. According to people, it’s either you toe their line of reasoning/philosophy or you don’t make any sense. You must see things how they see it or nothing. You can see how that translates to our lifestyle and Governance. What I said is harmless. Kelechi been around and unhappy isn’t healthy for the team’s chemistry. It would’ve being better if he declined the invitation or left the team when he felt the handwriting on the wall. That doesn’t mean he’s not patriotic. Peseiro is not the first coach of Eagles, he won’t be the last coach of Eagles either. Coaches come, coaches go – players come, player go – Super Eagles remains!
Fernando Redondo (Argentine Star-midfielder) didn’t participate in 1998 World Cup due to some disagreement with the coach, it didn’t reduce anything from his CV. He’s still regarded as the best Defensive midfielder to play for Real Madrid and the best DM for Argentina. Eric Cantona didn’t play France 1998 Worls Cup too. It is not a must to play in tournaments!
Kelechi should’ve stayed away and concentrate on his club football. Even if he retires from national team, scoring 15 goals in less than 60 appearances (as a support-striker) isn’t bad at all. Not many even get the privilege of getting one cap for their national team.
Pascal has spoken well.
By the grace of God we will beat them convincingly at normal time.
God bless Nigeria.