2015 Nations Cup: Nigeria target automatic qualifying spot
Reigning champions Nigeria will be desperate to emerge from the final round of 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying today with one of the six remaining spots for the tournament.
With 10 countries already qualified for the 17 January to 8 February showpiece in Equatorial Guinea , five more will join them as one of the top two teams in the groups, while one more will go through as the best third-placed side.
Nigeria's campaign has besieged by problems both on and off the field, which has put them in serious danger of failing to earn the right to defend their title.
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But they go into their final match against already-qualified South Africa with their fate in their own hands after they beat Congo 2-0 on Saturday.
"It was not an easy game against a very determined Congo side, but luck was on our side. We took a big step forward (by this win)," said coach Stephen Keshi, who will be without Reading midfielder Hope Akpan, who dislocated his shoulder in Congo, and the suspended Godfrey Oboabona.
"We know what to expect from South Africa. They are in a confident mood after winning the group and qualifying. They have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive game so they will come here with a determination to break that record but we are prepared.
"Now we must do everything to get the three points and qualify for the Nations Cup."
South Africa are unbeaten in their five qualifying matches under coach Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba.
But the Bafana Bafana boss is wary of what awaits them in the southern town of Uyo.
"Going back to Nigeria will be war, it won't be just an ordinary football match," said Mashaba, whose side were held 0-0 by the Super Eagles in Cape Town.
"Nigeria never expected to draw with us, and we should've beaten them, on the day luck was just not on our side."
But they go into their final match against already-qualified South Africa with their fate in their own hands after they beat Congo 2-0 on Saturday.
"It was not an easy game against a very determined Congo side, but luck was on our side. We took a big step forward (by this win)," said coach Stephen Keshi, who will be without Reading midfielder Hope Akpan, who dislocated his shoulder in Congo, and the suspended Godfrey Oboabona.
"We know what to expect from South Africa. They are in a confident mood after winning the group and qualifying. They have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive game so they will come here with a determination to break that record but we are prepared.
"Now we must do everything to get the three points and qualify for the Nations Cup."
South Africa are unbeaten in their five qualifying matches under coach Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba.
But the Bafana Bafana boss is wary of what awaits them in the southern town of Uyo.
"Going back to Nigeria will be war, it won't be just an ordinary football match," said Mashaba, whose side were held 0-0 by the Super Eagles in Cape Town.
"Nigeria never expected to draw with us, and we should've beaten them, on the day luck was just not on our side."
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