Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr has admitted that he faces a ‘positive’ selection headache ahead of Wednesday 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash against South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium.
Super Eagles training session at the Shams Sports Complex have all 23 players involved in training. Captain John Mikel Obi is back in training, Jamilu Collins looks ready and Shehu Abdullahi has improved his fitness.
Nigeria and South Africa set to renew their rivalry in a bid to advance to AFCON 2019 semifinals, The Super Eagles are yet to beat the Bafana Bafana in their last five meetings in all competitions.
It would be recalled that both teams progressed to the quarter finals stage in style having defeated their opponents at the round of 16. While the Super Eagles sent the defending champions Cameroon home in a five-goal thriller at the Alexandria Stadium, The Bafana Bafana stunned host nation Egypt 1-0 thanks to a lone strike from Thembinkosi Lorch in the 85th minute of the encounter.
South Africa also has never beaten Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, with their two previous meetings – a semi final clash in 2000 in Lagos and group phase encounter in 2004 in Monastir – ending 2-0 and 4-0 respectively in favour of the Super Eagles.
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Coach Gernot Rohr has opened up of a selection headache after starting the tournament with plenty injuries and illnesses, "we had the full 23 players train yesterday and that gives me a selection headache for the game against the Bafana Bafana,” said Rohr.
"We saw the South Africa game against Egypt and I am sure they will be full of confidence, for me when you beat the number one tournament favourite then you are favourite yourself. We know them well through the qualifiers, and we are confident especially after our last game.
“We have to adapt because it is hotter and different from Alexandria here in Cairo and we have just one day to adapt, but we will be ready. My team will never be arrogant, we will keep our fighting spirit and humility.
South Africa knocked out the host and title favourite Egypt in the Round of 16, which makes them favourite to win the trophy. Nigeria won the African title in 1980, 1994 and 2013, while South Africa won as hosted Nation in 1996.
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