Unpredictable Percy Tau Carries South Africa's Hopes Vs Nigeria

Stuart Baxter's side South Africa are set to meet the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the third time in just over two years.

The South African side recorded a famous 2-0 victory over Nigeria during one of the AFCON qualifying matches in 2017.

The reverse fixture in 2018 ended in 1-1 draw after Ahmed Musa's goals were controversially ruled out for offside.

South Africa were undefeated in the last five matches against the West African powerhouse, thereby making Wednesday's encounter a must-watch for all football-loving Africans.

Odion Ighalo, who was the hero against Cameroon in the round of 16, is expected to be Nigeria's source of inspiration in today's encounter.

Meanwhile, dangerous and unpredictable Percy Tau is the man tipped to get the job done for Baxter's men.

Percy Tau, 25, seems to know how to get the best out of Super Eagles defenders and he will be sorely relied upon by fans and team-mates to do his magic once again.

During the last game between both countries, it was the 25-year-old's creativity that helped South Africans secure a 1-1 draw with the high-flying Super Eagles as he selflessly passed the ball to unmarked Lebo Mothiba who coolly slotted the ball into an empty net.

Though many goals have not been seen from the Brighton-owned star in Egypt, Tau's ability to score from range is another reason why most of his team-mates and the Bafana Bafana supporters will look up to him for inspiration against the Eagles later today.

On paper, Nigeria shouldn't have any problem defeating the Bafana Bafana of South Africa but Stuart Baxter's men will be as difficult as the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Ibukun Italoye