IT'S just as well that South Africa go into their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Nigeria with no pressure as they come up against a side that they have found most difficult to overcome in the past two decades.
South Africa have only scored in two of the 10 previous meetings between the sides - and one of those was from the penalty spot.
And their three previous visits to Nigeria have all ended in defeat with no goals scored and eight conceded.
Bradley Carnell, who played on the only occasion South Africa have beaten Nigeria - the Nelson Mandela Challenge in 2004 when a weakened Super Eagles went down 2-1 - believes the national side has a number of mental hurdles to get over for tomorrow's qualifier in Uyo (kickoff 5pm)
"Back in those days we fancied ourselves against any other African nation so it was not as if we had any fear going into the game," Carnell said. "Unfortunately down the years it has got harder to compete, and I think Wednesday will be especially hard for the players.
"It is not just the opposition and the fact that they [Nigeria] must get a win to ensure their place at the Nations Cup finals, but this has been a very taxing time for the Bafana guys."
Carnell fears for SA in Uyo
IT'S just as well that South Africa go into their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Nigeria with no pressure as they come up against a side that they have found most difficult to overcome in the past two decades.
South Africa have only scored in two of the 10 previous meetings between the sides - and one of those was from the penalty spot.
And their three previous visits to Nigeria have all ended in defeat with no goals scored and eight conceded.
Bradley Carnell, who played on the only occasion South Africa have beaten Nigeria - the Nelson Mandela Challenge in 2004 when a weakened Super Eagles went down 2-1 - believes the national side has a number of mental hurdles to get over for tomorrow's qualifier in Uyo (kickoff 5pm)
"Back in those days we fancied ourselves against any other African nation so it was not as if we had any fear going into the game," Carnell said. "Unfortunately down the years it has got harder to compete, and I think Wednesday will be especially hard for the players.
"It is not just the opposition and the fact that they [Nigeria] must get a win to ensure their place at the Nations Cup finals, but this has been a very taxing time for the Bafana guys."
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