Stuart Baxter: We do not fear Nigeria

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Nov 13, 2018. 13:00

Stuart Baxter is confident his side will not disappoint against Nigeria at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon, as Bafana Bafana se their sights on qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Victory for either South Africa or the Super Eagles this coming weekend will book their place at next year's showpiece in Cameroon.

Both teams have been rocked by injuries in build-up to the clash, with Kamohelo Mokotjo, Bongani Zungu, Dean Furman, Keagan Dolly and Bradley Grobler among those unavailable for selection.

‘‘Everybody knows what I said in the first press conference that despite the injuries, I want to speak about the players that we do have because even though we respect Nigeria we do not fear them," said Baxter ahead of this weekend's qualifier.

‘‘I think we have still enough talent‚ enough desire and if we can structure a game plan in the next three or four days‚ I think by the time we run out onto the FNB Stadium we would be confident‚ we would not be complacent‚ because Nigeria have just come from a World Cup.

"They will certainly want to wreak their revenge. So‚ we will be ready and I still believe that we have a very good chance of getting the result that we need," he concluded.

South Africa beat Nigeria 2-0 in the reverse fixture in Uyo last year with goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau leading Bafana Bafana to their first competitive win over the West African's. Kick-off in Soweto on Saturday is at 15h00.