No Tension For Super Eagles Ahead Of AFCON Qualifier Against South Africa

Ex-Ajax Amsterdam star Tijani Babangida has admitted that the Super Eagles are not under pressure ahead of their African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in June.

Comparing and contrasting the upcoming meeting with Bafana Bafana to the semifinal of the 2000 African Cup of Nations semifinal, the winger said that the atmosphere before the game was tense.

''In 2000, the tension was higher than now because they felt they were higher than the Super Eagles, because we were suspended for two to three years,'' Babangida said to Brila FM.

''When we came back they were champions of Africa and of course they believed nobody will beat them in Nigeria. We had to go 200 percent.

''Now it is a different situation. We played many games, won many, we drew some with them, the tension is not as high as then.''

Two first half goals from Babangida at the National Stadium Lagos secured a 2-0 win for Nigeria on February 10, 2000, but they eventually lost on penalties to  Cameroon in the showpiece game.