LAGOS AUGUST 13TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Mba has decleared that tomorrow’s Nelson Mandela Challenge game against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana is not in any way a friendly match.
Mba noted that the South Africans are prepared for the game and would want to beat the reigning African champions to make a statement that they are a good side.
The Enugu Rangers player, who scored the goal that won Nigeria the last Africa Cup of Nations final against Burkina Faso, revealed that the Super Eagles players will definitely be taking the game seriously.
“That game on Wednesday is not a friendly match in any way. We are African champions and every team will want to beat us to boost their confidence. Bafana Bafana are rebuilding and this is one game that they will want to use to get their confidence back in shape.
“Yes it is a friendly game, but it is more than that. We also need to do well and win the game to get prepared for the next game in the World Cup qualifiers against Malawi in Calabar. I am looking forward to a good game because it is a perfect opportunity for us to show Africans that we are a good side that deservedly won the Africa Cup of Nations.
“A lot of our players are back so we are going to get a full squad for the game. I want to do well and make sure we keep our record against the South Africans,” Mba declared.
Bafana Bafana have never defeated Nigeria since they first clashed in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers.
Meanwhile Newcastle ace Shola Ameobi who arrived in Eagles camp yesterday has promised to give his best for Nigeria after he joined the team for tomorrow’s friendly versus South Africa.
“I am so happy to be back with these set of players who always show me love and care and I promise from now on to always give my best to the team,” said Ameobi, who joined the squad lunch time yesterday in Durban.
Ameobi pulled out of the Eagles squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which was also hosted by South Africa earlier this year.
Only three players, John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Fegor Ogude are expected on today morning in Durban in time for the clash against Bafana Bafana at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.
The Eagles arrived Durban from Johannesburg on yesterday morning after a six hour over-night flight from Lagos to Johannesburg.
The team were led by coach Stephen Keshi with four home stars, Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwueke, Sunday Mba and Godfrey Oboabona.
When the team got to their Southern Sun Hotel, several of the invited players were already in their rooms. Among the early birds were late call-ups James Okwuosa and Gege Soriola, who are both based in South Africa. There were also Obinna Nsofor, Elderson Echjiele, who were the first foreign-based stars to arrive Durban.