‘We Know Nigeria’ – South Africa Boasts as Eagles Intensify Training in Uyo

Newly appointed South Africa national team captain Thulani Hlatshwayo has said he fancies his side’s chances against ‘familiar foes’ Nigeria ahead of this weekend’s crucialAfrica Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier.

The Bafana Bafana are yet to pick up a competitive win against the Eagles, but have seen their fortunes improve in recent times, with three draws on a spin including the damaging 2-2 in Uyo that cost Nigeria a ticket for Afcon 2015.

This fact isn’t lost on Hlatshwayo, who’s called on his teammates to be ‘sodiers’ when they file out against the Eagles Saturday, Vanguard writes.

“It’s a familiar environment that I’m aware of‚ and we know we have to go to Nigeria and come back with a good result,” Hlatshwayo told reporters before a 25-man team left for Nigeria Wednesday.

Bafana Bafana in training

“We know that will demand a lot of soldiers around the team. I’m one of them‚ and we do have a lot of soldiers in this side.”

Meanwhile, the Eagles rounded off their training on Wednesday with a practice match between Team A and Team B, which ended goalless.

Eagles coach Gernot Rohr continued his experimentation with the side as he deployed John Ogu as a central defender for the second straight day, while also trying out Akwa United star Alhassan Ibrahim in various attacking roles.

Chippa United goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was not involved in the practice game, a big indication that Rohr is satisfied with his fitness level and may start him in goal against South Africa in the absence of first choice Carl Ikeme.

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