Former Nigeria star Jay-Jay Okocha believes the Super Eagles have a slight advantage over Bafana Bafana heading into the crucial African Cup of Nations qualifier, saying that the South Africans are under pressure in Group E.

Bafana sit second just one point behind Nigeria in Group E and will need a victory to secure qualification for the 2019 African Cup of Nations to be held in Cameroon.

Nigeria, on the other hand, need just one point to secure qualification, and after Bafana beat the Super Eagles 2-0 in Uyo last year in the first qualification game of the group, Okocha believes that his former side will be desperate to exact their revenge on Stuart Baxter’s team.

‘South Africa and Nigeria is always that kind of match where bragging rights are everything. So that will be a big motivating factor for both teams, especially for us because we lost the first match,’ said the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder.

‘We have a slight advantage. A draw will be enough for us. South Africa are under pressure even though they might be confident because they beat us in the first leg. I know the teams are a little different now but we will take pride in getting revenge.’

Okocha was also full of praise for the young Super Eagles squad who he believes can live up to the high expectations of all Nigerians.

‘We have a squad of good young players who can turn things around, they have the ability. But our problem is always great expectations. Let’s change our mentality and allow them to mature. The experience they got from the World Cup has built them and they will go on to achieve big things. I believe we’re on the right track.’