Football enthusiasts across the country are optimistic that the Nigeria Super Eagles will triumph over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semifinals at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d`Ivoire.
The respondents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) on Wednesday, said that the Eagles have the capacity win and progress to the final.
NAN reports that Nigeria and South Africa will clash in the seminal of the ongoing AFCON at the Stade De Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire at 6pm today (Wednesday)
In Jos, Jerry Udoh, a journalist and football fan, said that going head-to-head, Nigeria has the upper hand against the South Africans.
Udoh said that Nigeria played South Africa 14 times and won seven times; South Africa came out on top twice, while they shared the spoils on five occasions.
“Naturally, Nigeria has an advantage over the South Africans; the last time they met in the African Cup of Nations’ quarterfinal, Nigeria won 2-1.
“As a sports enthusiast and as a Nigerian fan, I expect them to win, and I believe they will win,’’ he said.
Samson Adesoji, a sports commentator, expected a difficult encounter for Nigeria on two grounds.
“He believes that Nigeria has what it takes to beat the South Africans, and that is the reason why he gave advice.
“To me, this is a done deal. If you see the boys, you will know that this is a different Nigerian team that wants to make a point.
“When you see the Eagles, you will see cohesion and commitment in the team, individual players who are ready to make the country proud.
Agabus Pwanagba, another football fan and ardent supporter of the Super Eagles, foresees a fiercely contested match.
He said that the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa had been there for a long time, but Nigeria most of the time came out on top.
Pwanagba believes that Nigeria’s performance in the tournament was better than that of South Africa, but cautions that every game needs a different approach.
According to him, the rivalry would be reignited, and it was going to be a tight game, but he expects Nigeria to overcome Bafana Bafana.
Katdapba Gobum, a veteran journalist and sports lover, sees the game as a game of wits, but I believe Nigeria would win 2-1.
“From every indication, our boys are prepared just like the South Africans, but we are going to match their tactics by tactics and we will prevail.
“I believe this year is our year, and no one can stop us, not even South Africans,’’ he added.