Lookman, Iwobi, Okoye join Eagles’ squad
Players and officials of the Bafana Bafana of South Africa believe securing another victory over the Super Eagles in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier in Uyo is possible.
On June 10, 2017, the South Africans shocked the Super Eagles 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, in the race to Egypt 2019 AFCON.
The Nigerian team, led then by Coach Gernot Rohr, however, went to Johannesburg to play a 1-1 draw to book their passage to the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they eventually lost to Algeria in the semifinals.
Now, the Bafana Bafana are in town for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier holding at the same venue in Uyo, and they are boasting of sending millions of Nigerian football fans to bed early tomorrow.
Team coach, Hugo Broos, has issued a bold declaration ahead of the crucial game against Nigeria, boasting that his side’s sole objective is to secure their spot to the 2026 showpiece to be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
South Africa arrived in Uyo, yesterday, for the big tie and will return home after the game to host Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
“Let’s go to Nigeria and Zimbabwe, qualify for the World Cup,” Broos said. “Everybody knows that every one of us wants to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, but we are in front of two very tough games.”
Though, the Belgian tactician acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Nigeria, whose players ply their trade in Europe’s top competitions, he however, drew strength from his team’s cohesiveness and determination of the boys.
Meanwhile, the last three remaining members of the Super Eagles team have arrived in Uyo to join in the preparations for tomorrow’s game.
The last of the players to arrive was Super Eagles’ goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who arrived in Uyo just before the South African delegation and the match officials.
Italy-based Okoye was the only invited player not in camp for lunch yesterday, but he joined the team ahead of the evening training session.
The duo of Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman had earlier joined their mates before launch time.
