The Stanley Nwabali factor has been pointed out as Bafana Bafana welcome Nigeria in their next FIFA World Cup qualifier, which could prove to be a Damascus moment should either side secure a win.
Nwabali has had a tough start to the season at club level, with Chippa United occupying bottom place on the standings after collecting one point from a possible 15. In the process, he has conceded nine goals, managing one clean sheet.
READ: Lawyer pokes holes in Ribeiro's Diarra ruling hope
He will, however, be boosted by having kept a clean sheet against Rwanda on Saturday as the Super Eagles triumphed 1-0.
Next up is a do-or-die battle of attrition against South Africa at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday (18:00).
Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana star Thabo Mngomeni has revealed how Hugo Broos' men can exploit what appears to be a weakness from the opposition.
“They must attack Nigeria. It comes down to motivation. Believe in yourselves. I don't want to think about losing tomorrow because it could be the end for us," says the former midfield man.
"We really need this win; it will set us on the right path. Losing will be devastating for me. Even a draw won’t help us. e need a win.
“The players shouldn’t feel intimidated by Nwabali. Look where Chippa are on the log table – at the bottom. If Bafana players are seeking motivation, they should remember that Nwabali is the same goalkeeper they score against week in and week out in the PSL," he added.
Mngomeni believes Nigeria's latest result in their pursuit of a spot at the global showpiece next year is bad news for Mzansi.
There is still the Teboho Mokoena yellow cards accumulation matter that may still be attended by FIFA, with Nigeria pushing for a three-point deduction.
READ | PSL musical chairs: 'Very disrespectful, it's discrimination'
“Bafana players can't let themselves be intimidated by Nigeria playing at home in South Africa. If that's the case, what will we do at the World Cup next year against big nations? At this stage of their careers, they can't afford to be intimidated.”
The Nigerian Football Association has confirmed that top striker Victor Osimhen will miss the game due to an injury he sustained over the weekend.
Eric Chelle's troops are in third place in Group C, six points behind leaders Bafana Bafana, with two more fixtures to come in the next FIFA dates in October.
Photo: Oty Silas/Gallo Images