South Africa-based former Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Greg Etafia has warned that the Nigerian national team will get a ‘massive game’ against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on September 9th.
Sports247 reports that Etafia, who was in goal the day South Africa that got their first victory over Nigeria during the 2004 Nelson Mandela Challenge in Johannesburg, disclosed that the hosts are already planning for another historic victory on September 9th.
He pointed out that Bafana will play fellow-group rivals, Lesotho at the same venue three days earlier (an away fixture on home soil), which would put them in the right frame of mind to sink the Super Eagles as well, especially haven drawn the first leg between both sides in Uyo.
Etafia, who has kept in goal and worked as a coach at four South African clubs, revealed: “They can do better in this game. Remember, they will play Lesotho first in the same Bloemfontein before they face Nigeria.
“So, they are banking on that game with Lesotho to get three points before they play Nigeria. They know that Nigeria is always a tough hurdle, and the game is going to be very important.”
Sports247 notes that South Africa might soon be deducted three points by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) on account of using an inelligible player against Lesotho, thereby meaning Bafana would be desperate to pick six points from their double header in Bloemfontein.
Etafia went on to remind Nigerians that the days when the Eagles would defeat the South Africans 4-0 are gone, hence his conclusion that the September 9th encounter will be another potentially explosive cliffhanger to behold.
Etafia noted, “For a very long time, we haven’t had a very tense game in the World Cup qualifiers like this. It used to be very nice for Nigeria beating South Africa with four goals or something like that. It was so at that time, but now it’s a different South African team.
“Now, they have improved a lot, especially the local players. Qualifying constantly for the Champions League and playing the Confederations Cup final last season was massive for them. So, against Nigeria in Bloemfontein, I believe it’s going to be a massive game.”
Sports247 recalls that the 42-year-old Etafia, whose birthday is on the 30th of next month, has been a netminder, goalkeepers’ trainer and caretaker coach in the South African league with Moroka Swallows, Cape Town All Stars, Baroka FC and Highlanders Park.
