World Cup qualifier preview: Nigeria v South Africa

The rivalry is expected to be fierce after the two sides came face to face in the semi-finals of the recent Africa Cup of Nations where the Super Eagles emerged as winners on penalties after the match had ended in a 1-1 draw.

In 15 games played between the two nations, the Super Eagles have won eight games while Bafana have two wins, alongside five draws.

But while Nigeria are a team in transition  with Finidi George having been handed the Nigeria reins following Jose Peseiro's departure after AFCON, Bafana are a settled unit with Hugo Broos in his third year with the team.

Nigeria also woke up to news that Daniel Amokachi had walked away from his recently announced post as second assistant.

And after two rounds of qualifying fixtures in Group C, Bafana are in second place on three points (from one win and one loss), one point behind leaders Rwanda, while Nigeria are third with two points after two draws.

South Africa though have reportedly endured their fair share of difficulties making it to Uyo for the weekend's game, having been forced to spend the night in Port Harcourt "as the airport had closed before their scheduled departure" read reports.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 20h00 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday.

Ahead of the tie, Bafana coach Broos challenged his side to play without fear.

He said in the Sowetan: "Nigeria were finalists at the AFCON and they have players who are playing in the best competitions in Europe, but we saw what we can do against them at AFCON.

"If we had a little bit of luck, we would have beaten them and went to the final. I think we were the best team in the semifinals, so we don't need to be afraid of Nigeria."

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali added in the Citizen: "There is no pressure. We will just take the game one at a time.

"We just have to put our thoughts together and go for a win against South Africa and approach the next game with Benin Republic in similar way."

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