Share

Rise of Arsenal ‘whizz-kid’ a danger for Bafana

Cape Town - It is invariably a case of a soccer team approaching a game faced with the prospect of ending up with three different results and consequent varying outcomes - namely by winning, losing or drawing.

But in an unusual twist for Bafana Bafana as they prepare for Saturday's vital Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Nigeria at FNB Stadium, South Africa's national team will in all likelihood find themselves in the same  position for the final away qualifying game against Libya early next year whether they lose or draw against "The Super Eagles", with a victory, of course, settling the qualification issue successfully for Bafana with immediate effect as the top two teams from each group go forward to the finals.

What this strange scenario would seem to require as the motivating objective for Bafana, with the points tally for the three contenders in the E Group qualifying segment currently standing at nine for Nigeria; eight for South Africa and four for Libya, is to place a greater emphasis on winning as drawing and losing will probably make little difference if Libya as expected take full points from group wooden spoonists Seychelles on Saturday.

Throwing down the gauntlet and taking on the talented "Super Eagles" with an attacking approach is no easy task, despite Bafana having already upset Nigeria on their home terrain in the opening qualifying game, with a new potential danger now confronting Bafana through the dynamic emergence this season in the English Premier League of 22-year-old Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Iwobi never quite fulfilled the high expectations held out for him when he joined The Gunners three seasons ago, but he has blossomed dramatically under the guidance of Unai Emery and credits the club's new manager with ''restoring confidence in my ability and raising the level of my game."

Iwobi, in the process, looms as a key influence for Nigeria in Saturday's showdown in which a draw will keep "The Super Eagles" ahead of Bafana in the points tally and with a game against the moderate Seychelles to complete their qualifying programme.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1118 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1283 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1977 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE