Mashaba wary of ‘bitter’ Eagles

South Africa coach, Shakes Mashaba, expects to face a “bitter” Super Eagles of Nigeria when the two sides meet in Sunday’s friendly match in Nelspruit.

Bafana Bafana have a poor record against Nigeria with only one win in their last 11 matches.

However, South Africa had the last laugh when the 2-2 draw at the Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo prevented Nigeria from qualifying for the 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

Now Mashaba believes Nigeria will be looking for payback at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

“Of course the Nigerians are still feeling bitter after knocking them out,” Mashaba said.

“To them, it’s payback time. Of course, they still want to show us that they are still the best when comes to football in Africa.”

Mashaba, though, is banking on home support to break the hoodoo whenever they meet the Super Eagles.

“There is history between the two nations and a great rivalry,” he said.

“We want to win that match at all cost and we need South Africans to come in their large numbers, we need your support South Africa.

“In our recent matches against Nigeria we drew in both matches. In the second qualifier, we came close to securing a victory. The players are hungry, but we need supporters to pack Mbombela and really make it difficult for them.”