Super Eagles attacking midfielder, Sunday Mba, has stated that Wednesday’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 Eagles 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,” Mba said.
“Bafana Bafana are rebuilding and this is one game they would 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 concluded.
Bafana Bafana have never defeated Nigeria in a competitive game since they first clashed in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers.
