The match is the first leg qualifier for the 2019 AFCON tournament to be hosted by Central African country, Cameroun.
Sixteen countries will take part in that tournament following success in the qualifying games.
Forty-eight countries are participating in the qualifying round; they are classed under twelve groups. Group winners and the best three runners-up qualify for the tournament with the host, Cameroon.
Cameroon will compete in Group B and points awarded in their matches. If Cameroon wins the group, the runners-up will qualify; if they finish runners-up, the winners will qualify; if they finish third or fourth, the winners will qualify and the runners-up will compete for one of the three additional places.
Nigeria will be playing in Group E alongside South Africa, Libya, Seychelles.
The first game with South Africa will be played on Saturday 10th June 2017 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
The Eagles have been in camp since Monday in preparation for the Saturday’s match.
The Super Eagles have never lost a match to the South African side in any competitive games. Eleven in total that dates back from 10 October 1992 when the two teams met for a World Cup qualifier in Lagos. At that game, the Super Eagles won the game 4-0. The Nigerian side will be looking to repeat that feat.
Twenty-three players were called up for the game by the Super Eagle’s coach, Gernot Rohr.
The goalkeepers invited for the game are Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu.
Defenders include Elderson Echiejile, Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong, Abdullahi Shehu, Tyronne Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem and Maroof Youssef.
The midfield will be manned by Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu, Mikel Agu and Alhassan Ibrahim.
The attacking line-up includes Henry Onyekuru Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen and Olanrewaju Kayode.
Skipper Mikel John Obi is set to be absent from the match as he recuperates from injury. Captain duties to be undertaken by midfielder Ogenyi Onazi. He’s quite enthusiastic about it all, hear what he had to say:
“It is a big game, and we are one for the big occasion. “I have confidence in the group that we have now and the ambition oozing in the camp. We want to go to the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. Starting well on Saturday will be key to our aspiration.
The officials for the game are
Youssef Essrayri – Referee (Tunisia)
Yamen Melloulchi – First assistant referee – (Tunisia)
Hassen Abdelali – Second assistant referee – (Tunisia)
Said Mohamed Kordi – Fourth Official – (Tunisia)
Andy Quamie – Match Commissioner (Liberia)
Kotey Alexander Neequaye – Referee Assessor (Ghana)
Typically with the NFF inefficiency, ticketing details are still sketchy 48 hours to the game.
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