Former international Tijjani Babangida has warned that despite Nigeria enjoying a superior head-to-head record against South Africa, Wednesday’s AFCON quarterfinal will not be a walkover.
The Eagles have won six of the 13 meetings between the two teams, while five clashes ended in draws and South Africa have won twice.
Babangida himself scored the two goals that buried Bafana Bafana in the semifinal of the 2000 AFCON in Lagos.
However, the one-time flying winger has now said the Eagles will come up against a good team who have been lifted with the shock win over hosts and tournament favourites Egypt in the Round of 16.
“It will be a very, very tough match because South Africa have a very good team going by what they showed against hosts Egypt,” Babangida warned.
“It was great to stop Cameroon, but that game is now history.
“We have to forget that game to focus and fight on Wednesday.
“Nigerians are counting on them to win the game.”
Babangida also said disappointed Egyptians will be cheering Nigeria to victory.
“Cairo will be our home ground as we expect the Egyptians to support the Eagles,” he predicted.
