Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Moses Ocheje says it is a thing of joy to finally see that Theophilus Afelokhai has been called to the national team.
The former Abia Warriors player stated that Afelokhai has the experience and quality to be part of the current squad of the Super Eagles.
“Theophilus Afelokhai’s invitation to the Super Eagles squad is long over due. He has been consistent in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for a very long time.”
“He deserves to be given the chance to prove himself in the senior national team. His experience gives him the edge to stake a claim for shirt in the Super Eagles,” the former Flying Eagles goalkeeper told Sports247.ng.
Meanwhile, Moses Ocheje has called on the Super Eagles to ensure total victory against Bafana Bafana on Saturday to serve as deterrent to other African teams who dare the three-time AFCON champions.
“The loss to South Africa in Uyo was a shocking one. It wasn’t expected but it’s good that the Super Eagles have picked three wins since the loss to Bafana Bafana.”
“They are on track to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.”
“There is need to ensure that they win against South Africa in Johannesburg and strike fear to teams on the African continent.”
Table–toppers Nigeria actually need just one point from Saturday’s encounter inside the FNB Stadium in Soweto, outside Johannesburg, to be sure of a slot at next year’s continental houseparty, but a combination of national pride, assumed rivalry between both teams and commitment to avenging a stinging defeat by the Bafana Bafana in Uyo 17 months ago has adorned this match with a totally different garb.
On Matchday 1 of the qualifying series, South Africa won 2-0 with goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau right inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, as Coach Gernot Rohr sent out a young, inexperienced Nigerian squad. However, that slap (the first ever loss to South Africa in a competitive match) stirred the formidable spirit in the Eagles and they swept all before them to earn a 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket with a match to spare.
However, the memory of that defeat has not gone away, which was why the Eagles have pulled no punches since the 2019 AFCON qualifiers resumed in September, winning all three matches to bounce to the top of the pool and standing at the door of qualification with a match to spare.
