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Cape Town - Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Segun Oguns has said Austin Ejide will be key to the Super Eagles' AFCON performance against Bafana Bafana in Cape Town on Wednesday.
Ejide was in goal in Saturday's 2-3 loss to the Red Devils of Congo at the UJ Esuene Stadium, reports the supersport.com website.
Oguns said the experience and match fitness of Ejide will come handy to earn the Super Eagles a lifeline result against the South Africans.
"Ejide will immensely help to swing victory for his side against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
"It's unfortunate they lost 2-3 to the Congolese opponents which I think wasn't mainly Ejide's mistakes.
"Ejide is more experienced than Vincent Enyeama though the latter is ahead in the number of matches played.
"Over time, Nigerians have come to terms with Enyeama's mistakes, same attitude should be extended to Ejide, too.
"I strongly believe the game on Wednesday will be a turning point for Ejide to wrap up a decent result for Nigerians," said the former Sunshine Stars goalkeeper coach.
Oguns however insisted that the Eagles must approach the tie against South Africa as a Cup final if the desired result is to be achieved.
"The Eagles must approach the tie against South Africa as a Cup final that has to be won to give us hope of qualification for Afcon 2015 in Morocco.
"Though South Africa have a decent and young side, I still believe we can win the tie with the right mentality," said Oguns.
The Eagles are condemned to win against South Africa to restore hope of a possible defence of their title in Morocco as defeat would leave their chances in jeopardy.
Nigeria are third on Group A log behind leaders, South Africa and Congo on three points respectively.
