Bitter rivals Nigeria and South Africa are both talking tough ahead of this evening’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying decider. African champions, Super Eagles have to beat visiting Bafana Bafana at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo to book a place in next year’s AFCON to be staged by Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria currently occupy second spot in Group A with seven points behind South Africa, who have an unassailable 11 points.

In September, both teams played out a 0-0 draw in Cape Town in the reverse fixture.

The Super Eagles have not lost to Bafana Bafana in a competitive game and will be looking to extend that record in this all-important qualifier kicking off from 6pm Nigerian time.

Both nations have met 10 times at full international stage with Nigeria winning seven times with two draws, while South Africa’s only win was in a friendly – the Mandela Challenge in 2004. The Eagles lost 2-1 with Ayodele Makinwa getting a consolation goal for Nigeria.

Bafana Bafana may have already qualified for Equatorial Guinea and so are not under pressure, but they will now want to halt the jinx Nigeria have enjoyed over them.

Nigerian forward Ahmed Musa said they are aware of what they need to do on the pitch this evening.

“We know victory is not negotiable in this game. We will go all out and get the job done on the pitch. Nigerians should just pray and support us. We will do the job on the pitch,” the CSKA Moscow winger told MTNFootball.com.

FC Ashdod left back Juwon Oshaniwa insisted there will be no hiding place for South Africa as they are thinking of nothing but victory.

“We know they are a good side, but we have always bettered them, we are battle ready for the game,” he said.

“We will beat them no doubt and get our ticket to Equatorial Guinea to defend our title. I am not underrating them, but I am sure we will beat them.”

South Africa have also been talking tough ahead of this clash.

“We want to work hard and maintain our undefeated record and hopefully we can go there (Nigeria) and get the win,” said new Bafana skipper Dean Furman.

•Photo shows Ahmed Musa in action against South Africa in the previous fixture in September.

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