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Three-time African champions, the Super Eagles and their South African counterparts are set for a showdown in the opener of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday (today).

The Group E showdown in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State offers the Eagles an opportunity to avenge missing out from the last edition of the competition.

Nigeria, yet to lose any official game against the South Africans, have won six and drew three matches since 1992.

“We do not want to forget that South Africa partly contributed to us not going to the 2015 Cup of Nations,” said Ogenyi Onazi, standing in as skipper for unavailable John Mikel Obi.

“This time, we must restore our pride and make sure we get the three points off them on Saturday. Nigerians do not forgive losers easily and it is our responsibility to make the country proud whenever we are in action,” added the Turkey-based midfielder.

Hlatshwayo, a centre-back from South African champions Wits, was named captain this week by new England-born coach Stuart Baxter.

“It will be a baptism of fire as captain, but we have come close to beating them in our last two meetings and I think they are there for the taking this time.

“Although Nigeria are a proud and arrogant team, I believe we have now overcome that psychological barrier of not having beaten them in an official match.

“This will be a grudge match. We denied them a place at the 2015 Cup of Nations and they will be out for revenge, which might work to our advantage.”

Apart from being a bogey team for South Africa, an in-form squad, home advantage, longer preparations and several warm-up matches make Nigeria favourites.

But German coach Gernot Rohr cautioned against over-optimism ahead of the first-round fixture in a group completed by unpredictable Libya and outsiders the Seychelles.

“Our team is young and the future looks bright, but there is still considerable work to do,” said the handler who has transformed the Super Eagles.

Inheriting a team that failed to qualify for the 2017 Cup of Nations, Rohr plotted World Cup victories over Zambia and Algeria to bring a 2018 finals place in Russia within sight.

Baxter begins a second stint in charge of “Bafana Bafana” (The Boys) in a confident mood despite the loss through injury of midfield enforcer Hlompho Kekana.

“We are capable of hurting Nigeria. We want to be a big nuisance to them – to be their worst nightmare.”

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Nike Unveils Super Eagles 2024/25 Jersey [PHOTOS]

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The new Super Eagles jerseys for the 2024–2025 football season have been unveiled by clothing powerhouse, Nike.

Nike’s Instagram page published a post on Monday with a launch video of the new jerseys.

“The 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒔 disrupt convention with bold twists on icons.

“Featuring 𝑫𝒓𝒊-𝑭𝑰𝑻 𝑨𝑫𝑽 innovation, each kit is engineered for the needs of the modern footballer, from kick-off to the final whistle,” the post read.

Green hoops at the ends of the sleeves and shorts adorn the white home jersey. In a striking combination of colours, the word “Naija” is written in green across the kit’s breast.

In a stylistic nod to Nigeria’s national colours, the away uniform is patterned in a pastel version of the same colour, dark green.

For their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles are anticipated to wear the new jerseys.

The team’s third qualifying match is scheduled for June 3 at home against South Africa. Seven days later, they are scheduled to travel to Benin Republic.

Before that, the Eagles will visit Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco for friendly matches against Ghana and Mali on March 22 and 26, respectively.

 

See photos below;

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Augustine Eguavoen Returns As Super Eagles Interim Coach

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Former Super Eagles Coach and Player, Augustine Eguavoen has been appointed by the Nigeria National Team as interim coach after the departure of Portuguese Coach, Jose Pesseiro.

He will be assisted by Finidi George, who has stayed the longest with Peseiro among all indigenous coaches appointed to work with the Portuguese by the Amaju Pinnick led board for 22 months.

 

More to come…

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BREAKING: Jose Peseiro Officially Quits As Super Eagles Manager

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Jose Peseiro, a Portuguese manager, has announced his resignation from the Super Eagles after his contract officially ended on Thursday.

Peseiro, who led the Eagles to a second-place result at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, on Friday expressed his satisfaction in his role as coach of the West African country.

“Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honor to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfillment.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the PLAYERS, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.

“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you,” the wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter)

 

More to come…

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