06.03.2015 16:12 h

South Africa, Nigeria renew rivalry

A great football rivalry will continue when South Africa host Nigeria on March 29 in a warm-up game for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying competition.

The South African Football Association said Friday that the friendly international is scheduled for the 40,000-capacity Mbombela Stadium in north-eastern city Nelspruit, a 2010 World Cup venue.

Nigeria have dominated previous competitive and friendly meetings between the African economic powerhouses, winning seven, drawing three and losing only one.

Two of the draws came in 2015 Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 0-0 stalemate in Cape Town last September followed by a 2-2 deadlock in Uyo two months later.

The draw in Nigeria was particularly disappointing for the South African Bafana Bafana (The Boys) as they surrendered a two-goal lead over the Super Eagles.

Nigeria are rebuilding under caretaker coach Daniel Amokachi after failing to qualify for the 2015 Cup of Nations, and missing the chance to defend the title won two years previously.

South Africa secured a Cup of Nations place as qualifiers for the first time in seven years, but made a timid first-round exit after losses to Algeria and Ghana.

The 2017 Cup of Nations qualifying draw is set for April in Cairo with the first matches two months later.