TheCable

Midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, who will lead Nigeria against South Africa on Saturday, says the game is crucial to the Super Eagles’ qualification for the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

The Bafana Bafana will face the Eagles on the turf of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

“It is a big game, and we are one for the big occasion,” said Onazi.

Nigeria has never lost a competitive match to South Africa at senior level, and the Super Eagles are confident ahead of Saturday’s qualifier.

“I have confidence in the group that we have now and the ambition oozing in the camp. We want to go to the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. Starting well on Saturday will be key to our aspiration,” he added.

The last outing between both teams was a friendly match at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit two years ago, which ended 1-1.

A 2-2 draw at the same venue between both teams in November 2014 meant the Eagles missed the cut for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

NIGERIA & SOUTH AFRICA AT SENIOR LEVEL

Oct 1992: Nigeria 4 South Africa 0 – Lagos (World Cup Qualifier)

Jan 1993: South Africa 0 Nigeria 0 – Jo’burg (World Cup Qualifier)

Feb 2000: Nigeria 2 South Africa 0 – Lagos (Afcon semi final)

Jan 2004: South Africa 0 Nigeria 4 – Monastir (Afcon group stage)

Nov 2004: South Africa 2 Nigeria 1 – Jo’burg (Mandela Challenge)

June 2008: Nigeria 2 South Africa 0 – Abuja (World Cup Qualifier)

Sep 2008: South Africa 0 Nigeria 1 – Port Elizabeth (World Cup Qual.)

Aug 2013: South Africa 0 Nigeria 2 – Durban (Mandela Challenge)

Jan 2014: South Africa 1 Nigeria 3 – Cape Town (CHAN group stage)

Sept 2014: South Africa 0 Nigeria 0 – Cape Town (Afcon Qualifier)

Nov 2014: Nigeria 2 South Africa 2 – Uyo (Afcon Qualifier)

Mar 2015: South Africa 1 Nigeria 1 – Nelspruit (Friendly)