14th August, 2013
Assistant Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Mr James Peters, has assured that the Super Eagles would defeat their South African opponents in Wednesday’s international friendly.
The “Nelson Mandela Challenge’’ is scheduled for the Moses Mahbida Stadium, Durban in South Africa.
The match between the two national teams is being organised to celebrate ailing Mandela’s birthday and to raise money for his charity project.
Peters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Eagles would be playing for pride as African champions and ensure that victory was achieved to honour the anti-apartheid hero.
“I know it is a friendly game but I know we will be able to win. South Africa cannot beat Nigeria no matter where the match is played.
“I know their strength and ability right from the time they came into football, even without Mikel Obi or our top strikers, we will beat them right in their back yard. We will still come out tops in that game.
“I am not worried neither am I disturbed about the match. South African team is not a team to have sleepless night for.’’
He, however, urged the Super Eagles to give the match all the seriousness it deserved, considering the rivalry between both countries.
Peters also urged the players to avert a repeat of the 2004 experience when the Bafana Bafana defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 in the same contest.
The former Super Falcons coach noted that Nigeria could lose the football pride it had over South Africa if it failed to achieve victory in the encounter.