Nigeria Vs South Africa: FCT FA Chairman, Mohammed Mouktar Tips Super Eagles For Semifinal Ticket

Nigeria Vs South Africa: FCT FA Chairman, Mohammed Mouktar Tips Super Eagles For Semifinal Ticket

By Niyi Busari

FCT Football Association Chairman, Mr Abba Mouktar Mohammed has tipped the Super Eagles of Nigeria to book a place in the semifinal of the ongoing 2019 African Nations Cup in Egypt, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The newly elected Chairman however, warned Eagles players not to underrate the Bafana Bafana of South Africa. He opined that the game should be approached like a final and that there should not be room for complacency.

"They must remember back home they have the weight of 180m hopeful fans that count on them to Win. The win is so important as it lifts the Nigerian spirit! Every win gives Nigeria a positive mood and positive name/image across the world.

"It will be a tight match as the South Africans are very mobile and play a pressing style. We must avoid to concede early and try to control and dictate the pace.

"We have seen that how they beat the host in front of 50,000 plus in Cairo so we cannot afford to say on paper. We must work hard to win.

"The Super Eagles must come out confident but well prepared and should be very careful with some of the tricky players from South Africa.

"We must approach every match like a final, no room for complacency or underrating of any team.

Mouktar advised the Super Eagles coach should not start Samuel Chukwueze adding that he can introduce him into the game in the latter part of the quarterfinal tie between Nigeria and South Africa.

"We need to be careful on how we clamour for young players to be played on the big stage easily, it's usually a gradual process/transition into the big stage. It's not a friendly match. So the coach needs experienced players for big matches.

"I am sure at the right time later in the game when he needs fresh legs and energy he will get his chance. But he needs to be protected because if not if he is started and he has a bad game it could affect him mentally and his confidence also."