The Super Eagles will lock horns with the Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, and it promises to be an enthralling encounter…
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has stated that South Africa might play into Nigeria's hands when both teams lock horns on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Going into the game against South Africa in Bloemfontein, Nigeria have the better quality players on paper. But that quality hasn't always been proven on the pitch.
South Africa, on the other hand, do not have the individual quality like the Super Eagles. But they have proven to be quality as a unit, and will definitely not be easy customers for Nigeria.
The Bafana Bafana will have the backing of the home fans at the Toyota Sadium in Bloemfontein, and this won't make this easy for Nigeria.
Since South Africa have the home advantage, they will likely take the game to the Super Eagles, especially as they want to seal their 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket quickly.
But to former Super Eagles goalkeeper Akpeyi, who spent most of his career in South Africa playing for clubs like Chippa United, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mbabane Swallows, the Bafana Bafana's tactics could be counterproductive.
What Daniel Akpeyi Said About Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana
Daniel Akpeyi believes the game between Nigerian and Rwanda will be different from the one against South Africa, as the Bafana Bafana will come out to play, thereby leaving spaces at the back.
“I'm not scared; I'm not fully convinced by the way Bafana Bafana beat Lesotho. However, the way Nigeria played against Rwanda has motivated many Nigerians,” Akpeyi told KickOff.
“Without disrespect, I think it will be tough for Bafana Bafana against Nigeria based on their performance against Lesotho. I'm going to give it to Nigeria.
“Rwanda's strategy of sitting back and relying on counterattacks made it difficult for Nigeria to secure a win. If it weren't for Rwanda's goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, those opportunities could have resulted in goals.
“But knowing Bafana Bafana, they won't sit back, which will allow Nigeria to exploit the gaps they leave behind.
“Considering the experience and the age of the Nigerian players, I see Nigeria winning this match tomorrow.”
Due to Nigeria's precarious situation, a draw will not be enough. They must beat South Africa to still have a shot at qualifying for the World Cup.
