By George Aluo
Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung said he sees the Super Eagles winning big in this weekend’s AFCON 2019 qualifier against South Africa at the Uyo Nest of Champions.
Dalung who spoke exclusively to Daily Sunsports yesterday ahead of the tie said his confidence was based on the professionalism of the team’s Franco German tactician, Gernot Rohr.
He pointed out that Rohr had been very professional in his style of managing the team.
“Rohr has been focused. He has concentrated on his job and getting result unlike some other coaches that would have been talking about money. I see Eagles walloping South Africa and I will be there to cheer them to victory,” Dalung said.
Dalung said he was happy the Eagles had prepared well for the tie, even as he urged Nigerians to queue behind the team and ensure the country picks the AFCON 2019 and Russia 2018 World Cup tickets.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune was aware that their upcoming game against Nigeria would be tough as always, given the big-name players Gernot Rohr has at his disposal, with history firmly against the South Africans, Khune expected a different ball game.
The 29-year-old was of the view that the standard of South African football had improved to match that of Nigeria, who had not lost to Bafana in official matches.
“We respect Nigeria, they’ve beaten us many times before and have big-name players, but it will be a different ball game this time round,” Khune told The Star newspaper.
“I also believe our standard has improved, and we have players who will want to impress our coach. It will be difficult, but we are looking forward to the game. I enjoy and work well under pressure,” added Khune.
Bafana managed to steal two points off the Super Eagles over two legs the last time these two nations met in Afcon qualifying matches.
However, the South Africans have not beaten their Nigerian opponents in official matches, with their only win coming in an international friendly 13 years ago.