Ighalo expects a tough clash against South Africa

CAIRO – 10 July 2019: Nigeria striker, Odion Ighalo, believes that his team will show a different performance when they face South Africa on Wednesday night at 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals.

Nigeria reached the quarter finals after defeating Cameroon 3-2 at Alexandria Stadium.

"We are ready and we are going to show it. This match is totally different from those in the qualifiers. We know this is going to be a difficult game against South Africa, a very fast team but we will make sure to make Nigerians proud." Ighalo told reporters.

South Africa knocked the tournament’s hosts, Egypt, after achieving a 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from their winger, Thembinkosi Lorch.

Following the game, Egyptian Football Association President Hany Abo Rida sacked the Egyptian national team coaching staff on the early hours of Sunday.
Abo Rida, as well as many board members, resigned from their position.

Ighalo added “I’m thinking of the team, if I don’t score and we still won I am satisfied. Against Cameroon it was a difficult game and today it is going to be another tough one.”

Ighalo has been one of Nigeria’s best players at the tournament, having scored three goals.