…Injuries hit Bafana’s camp
Tomorrow’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, will not be a tea party for both teams, according to ex-international, Waheed Akanni.
Akanni said Nigeria should prepare for the worst as the South Africans were coming to shock the Eagles in Uyo.
“The match is not going to be easy for Eagles as Bafana Bafana are relatively a bunch of young players who are determined to impress the new coach. Although, we may try our best to score but we do not have a good defence,” he said.
He, however, urged Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, to do more work on the team’s defensive line-up against the dreaded South Africans.
The former Lagos State Football Association chairman said Nigerians should not look at South Africa as a weak side, saying that they have developed and matured with time.
“Many people may not believe it but I know that the team we are playing on Saturday will give our boys some difficulty. This is more so because our team is made of new and experienced players who are just blending with the team. We should not judge the team with the two friendly games they played in France. The real match is against South Africa who are also not sleeping, so as to justify the confidence reposed in them by their fans,” he said.
Akanni said Nigeria has the attack and the midfield but he cannot say much about the defence. “Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi are well known to the South Africans, the coach should know how to introduce them to the game with other players.”
Also speaking on the match, former Super Eagles midfielder, Friday Ekpo, said the coach has the final say on how to play the match and the players capable enough to win the game against South Africa.
“The ball is in the Rohr’s court. He knows what to do to get the result. We can’t teach him his job. But I am certain the match will be interesting,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bafana’s Coach, Stuart Baxter, is faced with injury crisis after naming his best 22 players.
Bafana team doctor, Thulani Ngwenya had recorded injuries to seven players following their assessments, but replacements are unlikely as he remains hopeful of successful treatment before the match in Uyo.
“Lebogang Mnayama has a right-knee injury, which is actually one he has been carrying for some time while receiving treatment, and we will continue to monitor and treat him,” said Ngwenya.
“Andile Jali picked up an injury to his rightside groin muscle during his club side’s last game and because he had to fly in for camp, he hasn’t received any treatment. We will begin treatment and expect some improvement.
“Tokelo Rantie also got injured in his last game with his club, he has a bone contusion on his right-side big toe, which we will be treating. But he is also carrying an injury to his right knee, which requires a scan.
“Tiyani Mabunda was out for three weeks with a sprained ankle and has been recovering. We will continue with treatment but he will be fine. Aubrey Ngoma has a groin injury that he has been receiving treatment at his club and we will continue to monitor him.
