South Africa Vs Nigeria -Nelson Mandela Challenge: On August 14 At 7:15pm Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles will lock horns in the 19th Edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge which will be played on Wednesday, 14 August 2013 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Kickoff is at 20h15. The event, launched in Durban on Friday, 2 August, was attended by Minister of Sport and Recreation South Africa, The Honourable Mr Fikile Mbalula, SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani, NMCF CEO Ms Sibongile Mkhabela and (Ethekwini Representative) as well as (Province representative), among others. "This is isimanga, history in the making. The celebration of an international icon through sport and culture, the journey starting today with the announcement of the African Champions Nigeria against our own Bafana Bafana in the Nelson Mandela Challenge which will take place at our happy hunting ground, the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium here in Durban. Igagasi (the wave) will be with us as we move from eThekwini to the FNB Stadium on the 17th of August when football meets rugby in the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day - an extravaganza of a day with the theme One Man, One Nation, One Celebration. Come and join for a fun-filled day," said Minister Mbalula. Nigeria’s preparation for the August 14 Mandela Challenge against Bafana-Bafana of South-Africa has suffered a set-back as Fenerbahce of Turkey latest recruit, Emmanuel Emenike, and youthful Chelsea defender, Kenneth Omeruo, have dropped out of the match. According to allAfrica The Eagles Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, quotes Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, as saying that Emenike opted out of the encounter in other to quickly settle down at his new club. “He may have been at the club before but he is highly valued in Turkey and he has requested that he be allowed to settle well at the club and the technical crew has obliged him”, Achor said. On his part, Omeruo, who had pulled a shoulder during the Confederations Cup game between Nigeria and Spain in Brazil, is said to have had a relapse and has been ordered by his club doctors at Chelsea FC of England to undergo a proper and permanent solution to the injury. Omeruo was on loan at Dutch side, Addo Den Haag, last season. As replacements, the Eagles handlers have invited Gege Soriola and James Okwuosa, both based in South Africa. The technical crew said they took the decision to call up two central defenders because there are enough options upfront for the encounter against the South Africans next Wednesday. “We also need to start grooming new defenders who are promising for upcoming challenges and we found the two players invited thus far very promising”, Head Coach Stephen Keshi was quoted as saying. Keshi added that Emenike has a lot of hurdles to cross at his new club and the management of the national team had to oblige him. “We will need him in the World Cup qualifiers but he has a lot of things to do at his new club and we must give him that opportunity. But I must say we are in good contact and we are happy with the way things are going with our top players in the transfer market,” he said. Emenike has not played for the Super Eagles since emerging highest goal scorer at the African Cup of Nations in February. Meanwhile, six top South African players who play for Orlando Pirates have also pulled out of the match due to club engagements. NIGERIAN FULL SQUAD GOALKEEPERS: Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim DEFENDERS: Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Elderson Echiejile, Gege soriola, James Okwuosa MIDFIELDERS: Mikel Obi, Fegor Ogude, Victor Moses, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Sunday Mba. FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye, Shola Ameobi, Obinna Nsofor, Uche Nwofor
Posted on: Sun, 11 Aug 2013 05:17:13 +0000
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