You can lose to anyone but not Bafana – Nigerian legend

The two giants of African football are set for what should be a thrilling Caf Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Saturday afternoon.

“I remember when Stephen Keshi was still alive, and we were both coached Nigeria. We never preached tactics to the team. We drummed it into their heads that they faced the stigma of being the first squad to lose to South Africa, and some of the words we used are not [suitable] for public consumption,” Amokachi said as quoted in the Mail & Guardian on Friday.

“Even our government, including Cabinet ministers, would visit our camp and urge us not to disgrace the nation by losing to South Africa. We could lose to Ghana or Cote d’Ivoire or anybody, but never South Africa,” added the former Nigeria player and Super Eagles assistant coach.

Bafana have, however, came close to upsetting the Nigerians in the recent past, with the Super Eagles scoring late to secure draws in two qualifiers.

New coach Stuart Baxter would become an instant hero in South Africa if he managed to beat Nigeria in his first game as he begins his second stint as Bafana coach.