Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has affirmed that the team is entirely focused and ready for their significant Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday.
The Nottingham Forest full-back believes coach Jose Peseiro has struck the right balance to ensure the team peaks at the right time in their pursuit of a fourth African crown.
“Myself and my teammates are ready for this challenge,” Aina told reporters ahead of the last four clash.
“The coach is hard on us when he needs to be and lenient when he needs to be; there’s a good balance to help us progress.
“Nigerians are now entirely fixated on overcoming a buoyant South African side to book their place in Sunday’s final.
“The focus is solely on the South African game and getting the job done.
“It’s a massive match with so much at stake, including qualification for the 2023 AFCON final,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria aims to reach the showpiece event for the 10th time, as they look to add to their titles from 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Peseiro’s side edged past Cameroon and then Angola in the knockout rounds and appeared to be building momentum.
However, Bafana Bafana represents their sternest test yet after knocking out favourites Morocco and Cape Verde.
Aina is confident Nigeria has prepared meticulously and will embrace the high stakes when the rivals clash at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.