South Africa star Lebo Mothiba believes Nigeria are not as good as host nation Egypt whom they defeated in the round of 16 of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo, Egypt.
Both teams will rekindle their rivalry on Wednesday with a clash at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday night and Mothiba doubts the technical quality of the Nigerians.
“Nigeria are no doubt one of Africa’s soccer giants but I don’t think they are astutely or tactically as good as the Egyptians,” said Mothiba.
“In the match against Egypt, everyone gave 100 percent effort and focus and now we need to keep that going. The win over Egypt galvanised the spirits and we are all looking forward to the next game against Nigeria. We need that positive mentality.”
Head coach Stuart Baxter has probably masterminded more positive results against the Super Eagles than any other South African manager is expected to play a crucial role in Wednesday’s game, according to Mothiba.
The Strasbourg forward who provided the assist for the winning goal against the Egyptians says Baxter has and will instruct them on what to do against the Super Eagles.
“The coach has insisted that we should maintain that positive attitude. He knows what we need to do against Nigeria.
“The boss is in charge, we will follow his instructions. For the match against Egypt, the coach really pushed us and we are ready for Nigeria and we want to give everything.”
Nigeria vs South Africa will meet at 8pm Nigerian time at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday in the second quarter final game of the 2019 AFCON.
Fisayo Dairo reporting from Cairo
S/african manager, both players and fans do makes a lot of noise.they don’t have any record in football and they can neva because of their attitudes…..we still remaind the giant of Africa…Under 17 we are the best in the world,Afcon 3….we only belief on playing inside field not outside pitch…….lets go Super eagles we can do it.
south Africa can not be put in mind that they will defeated because they won Egypt because we are not playing the same pattern.
S/Africa manager is too boostful.foot ball can not be playing at paper work but practically on field.Eagles manager humble him self,and got the results.keep the flag flying eagle.