Stallions Seek Eagles Pound Of Flesh, South Africans Tip Nigeria For Trophy

West African neigbhours Burkina Faso, say they are thinking of CHAN Cup final against Nigeria to redeem its loss at the last Nations Cup, which incidentally was also hosted by South Africa. Nigeria defeated the Burkinabes 1-0 in a pulsating final last year’s February.

The Stallions were on the same flight with the Super Eagles to Cape Town and seized the opportunity to wish Nigeria well in its group games even as they wished the two teams will meet in the final like
last year. Coach Paul Putt after asking after Stephen Keshi said his team has come to the tournament to win. “If we meet Nigeria like last year, we will win it”, he said. But Nigerian officials reacted immediately with Assistant Coach Houandonou Valere saying it will be impossible to defeat the African champion, with a smile.

Also on arrival at the Oliver Thambo International Airport, football fans and even workers at the airport had already given Nigeria the trophy “The Super Eagles have come again to win, I wish you well”, declared Tarto Thandile.

Deputy Sports Editor of the City Press, Timothy Molobi, who is based in Johannesburg, said Nigeria seems to have a psychological edge but noted that because many of the players who won the Nations Cup with the Eagles will not be coming for CHAN, it will be difficult for Nigeria. “We should at least think Bafana Bafana can win this time with almost the full squad ready for the host”.