The friendly encounter will be preceded by the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Ethiopia which kicks off at 15h00.
Following two successive victories over Tanzania (4-1) in a friendly encounter and Zambia in the African Women's Championship qualifier (3-1), the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana believe the friendly against the African champions will give them some challenge and more experience as they prepare for the London Olympic Games to begin next month.
Banyana Banyana's last encounter against the African giants was during the 2010 edition of the African Women's Championship that took place in South Africa.
Banyana Banyana captain, Amanda Dlamini believes the upcoming match will be a good test for the team as they prepare for the Olympics.
"We are expecting a tough encounter against Nigeria but we will be going into this friendly match brimming with confidence but that shouldn't make us complacent as this is a different game altogether. The games we won have given us a boost and we should now go into this encounter ready mentally, focused and determined to do our best against them,” said Dlamini.
"We are expecting a competitive game. We look to apply all we have learnt during our training sessions to ensure we overcome the Nigerians.”
South Africa’s head coach Joseph Mkhonza believes the encounter against Nigeria is the kind of test they need as they prepare for the Olympics.
"Playing Nigeria will be a real test of character for the players as we also look to be number one in Africa. It's not going to be an easy encounter but we hope to produce positive results. Our plan is to get our heads into the game from the beginning of the match and work on what we have learnt from the past two matches. It is important that we win this match as it forms a part of preparations for London,” said Mkhonza.
safa.net
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