Legend Jay-Jay Okocha tips Nigeria to beat SA

Alex Iwobi (R) of Nigeria celebrates with his teammate Brian Idowu (L) after scoring the 2-2 equalizer during the International Friendly soccer match between Argentina and Nigeria in Krasnodar, Russia, 14 November 2017. EPA/YURI KOCHETKOV

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Nov 12, 2018. 10:00

Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha has tipped the Super Eagles to defeat South Africa in the teams’ showdown this coming weekend.

Bafana Bafana will host the West African heavyweights in a matchday five Group E clash in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria lead the group by one point from SA coming into the match, which will see the teams renew their rivalry after Bafana claimed a surprise 2-0 win in Uyo in June last year.

“South Africa and Nigeria is always that kind of match where bragging rights are everything. So that will be a big motivating factor for both teams, especially for us because we lost the first match,” said Okocha, who was in South Africa for a Bundesliga promotion event last week.

“We have a slight advantage. A draw will be enough for us. South Africa are under pressure even though they might be confident because they beat us in the first leg. I know the teams are a little different now but we will take pride in getting revenge.”

He added, “We have a squad of good young players who can turn things around, they have the ability. But our problem is always great expectations. Let’s change our mentality and allow them to mature. The experience they got from the World Cup has built them and they will go on to achieve big things. I believe we’re on the right track.”

South Africa and Nigeria will meet at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 17 November 2018, kick-off at 15h00 CAT.