Sunday Mba eyes victory for Nigeria in Mandela Chllenge

Nigeria striker Sunday Mba is confident of victory when the Super Eagles face Bafana Bafana on August 14, despite Gordon Igesund naming a strong squad for the friendly clash.

The Bafana coach named his strongest available squad for the Nelson Mandela Challenge, although six Orlando Pirates players have subsequently withdrawn as the Buccaneers play a CAF Champions League match against Zamalek three days later.

Changes aside, the hosts go into the encounter with a solid group of players, but Mba believes the Super Eagles will emerge victorious from the match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“Of course, there is nothing to worry over the names the South Africans will parade against us during the Nelson Mandela Challenge, I’m cool and at home with the names,” he told SuperSport.

“It’s a friendly game but the build-up to the game underscores the fact that there is nothing like friendly in football any longer, every game is as important as the World Cup final.

“We know it won’t be easy in South Africa more so against the Bafana Bafana because everybody wants to win against Nigeria and go down in history as the side that defeated the reigning African champions.

“I see the encounter as a game we must win, our pride is already at stake so I believe we’ll prepare very well and on matchday come to the party to prove further to doubters that our victory at 2013 Afcon was not a fluke rather well deserved.”