Bafana look to clip Super Eagles’ wings

Traversing the African continent is not for the faint-hearted and Bafana Bafana have had one of their longest trips to Nigeria, spanning more than 30 hours until eventually arriving at their hotel yesterday.

Coach Hugo Broos’ charges arrived in Uyo, Nigeria, just after 11h00 local time after the initial charter flight out of Johannesburg was delayed by four hours on Wednesday.

After eventually leaving OR Tambo International Airport, the team had to stay over in Port Harcourt on Match Day minus two.

Despite the long hours of travel they are, however, determined to tackle the task at hand.

“We are more focused than ever. Traveling in Africa is difficult, so that is not our focus. We are focused on the job at hand and that is the game against Nigeria,” said Broos at a press conference held at Godswill Akpabio stadium.

Local media seemed more focused on the team’s injuries than the game itself, making sure they had as much information on every injury concern in the Bafana camp.

“We will see about Mudau, there is much talk about him and other injuries. Obviously, the Nigerian talisman is Ademola Lookman, then there is Victor Osimhen, who is doubtful, but we are not focusing on that. We are focusing on our game tomorrow, we have the ability and we have proven that at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire,” laughed Broos.

Striker, Percy Tau, suggested that out of the group in Uyo, anyone that plays tonight has the resilience as well as the experience to rise to the occasion.

“We play in CAF, so we know what it’s like traveling and playing. It is never easy, but we are professionals, we are ready, and we are hungry to play. This is all that we are here for.”

Bafana Bafana boast a clean bill of health, with most of the players that reported for duty just carrying slight injuries.

The match is scheduled for 20h00 local time (21h00 SA Time) at Godswill Akpabio Stadium.