Mutiu Adepoju believes Super Eagles have what it takes to shut out Bafana Bafana of South Africa from the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Completesports.com reports.
Both teams will flex football muscles on Wednesday in one of the quarterfinal matches of the tournament, and the ‘Headmaster’, as Adepoju is fondly called, tells Completesports.com that though Bafana Bafana have stepped up their football, the Super Eagles have better players, and should prevail over them in Wednesday’s battle.
“South Africa knocking out hosts, Egypt, is a testament to their improved game,” Adeopju observes.
“Of course, they played well, but I strongly believe Super Eagles have better players in terms of experience and quality than South Africa.
“It will be a difficult game. At this stage, you don’t expect an easy match, but of course, Super Eagles will win and they have the potential to prevail over the Banana Bafana,” Adepoju explains.
Wednesday’s clash at the Cairo International Stadium will be the 14th confrontation between the two sides.
In their previous 13 meeting, Super Eagles won six, drew five and lost twice, including South Africa’s historic 2-0 win at Uyo in 2017.
Adepoju reflects on the Super Eagles 3-2 win over Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Saturday’s 2019 AFCON Round of 16 tie in Alexandria, saying the team’s performance was a remarkable improvement from the 2-0 defeat to Madagascar in their last Group B match.
“First, the midfield combination (selection) was okay. It ensured quick buildup and fast breaks,” Adepoju remarks.
“Passes were coming quickly to the attackers, hence the team scored three goals.
“Yes, the Super Eagles conceded two goals in the game. I won’t say it was due to porosity of the defence line. It was just a moment of panic because the cross that came from the left was not properly dealt with.”
By Sab Osuji
(pix: by Ganiyu Yusuf in Alexandria)
6 Comments
Good observation from headmaster, Nigeria have bundle of quality compared to any other Africa nation at ongoing afcon exception of goalkeeping department. Oga couch should just infuse “u can do it” mindset to these men.i will play osime any day any time ahead of igalo, eagle soar into the final
Osimhen hasn’t played a match yet in this AFCON and it will be risky to start him. Ighalo has proved himself, having scored 3 goals and now joint top with Sadio Mane.
If Osimhen is to come in, it should be in the 2nd half please. Let’s see what he can do within 2nd half.
Soccer doesn’t have therefore and who says Eagles have golden players? You speaking like soccer amateur and even Bafana play a good football and you know guys. Eagles dont have defender they do too much mistakes always and is where Bafana will punish you without mentioning individuals player but the whole Bafana . watch and learn KASI FLAVA BOY.
We shall see on Wednesday what Bafana can do. As humans, mistakes are bound to happen. So, are Bafana not humans and will they not make mistakes? I will watch the spirited Bafana who do not and cannot make mistakes come Wednesday.
Eagles must go there and beat them this time around…. Bcus you guys should remember one thing is that they came down to Nigeria and beat us 2-0 at uyo but we don’t want it to happened again and again especially so called south african… I’m begging you guys… And you guys are nothing but the best.
Super Eagles will prove and redeem themselves. Be patient with them.