Akpeyi, Alampasu ‘certain’ of AFCON qualification despite Bafana defeat

Super Eagles goalkeepers, Daniel Akpeyi and Dele Alampasu, have expressed confidence that the team will overcome their defeat to Bafana Bafana of South Africa and qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Nigerian team were humiliated 0-2 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, as second half goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau gave South Africa their first ever competitive win against Nigeria.

Akpeyi, who was at goal throughout the game, blamed the tactics of the Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr for the unexpected loss.

“We got it wrong tactically, we were doing well in the first half and in the second half we were anxious for a goal, that’s where we lost it,” the South African-based goalkeeper told reporters.

“We conceded a goal and in our efforts to get the equaliser we opened up our defence and the South Africans caught us off guard to score the second goal.”

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He went on to say that Nigeria’s chances of making it to the finals are great, and strongly believes the lesson learnt from the team’s loss in the opening match will guide them through the remaining qualifiers.

“We have learnt from the loss, which will guide us in subsequent matches,”he said.

“I believe we still have a chance of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“I know for certain that we will get back on track to position ourselves towards claiming the sole ticket in the group.”

Eagles’ other goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu, also blamed hard luck for the defeat that put Nigeria on third place behind South Africa and Lybia in the qualifying Group E.

Alampasu who was on the bench in the game, however believes the defeat will not affect the Eagles chances of making it to the 2019 AFCON.

“I feel so bad because we prepared for the game (against South Africa) for three weeks,” the FC Cesarense player told Complete Sports.

“For me, the Eagles did well but it was hard luck on our side.

“We still have five games left.

“I believe we can still get 15 points. And apart from the 2019 AFCON, I am confident we will also qualify for the 2018 World Cup.”

The Super Eagles are also seeking a ticket to Russia, and will play Cameroon next in August, as they fight to keep their current status atop the group having secured 6 points from two previous wins against Zambia and Algeria.

But the Afcon qualifiers will resume in March, 2018, and Nigeria will be playing against Seychelles, who were thrashed 5-1 by Lybia last Friday; while South Africa will host Lybia.

 

 

 

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