AFCON 2015: Nigeria and South Africa Headline Group A as Qualifiers Begin
The road to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations begins in earnest on Friday, with Group A kicking off the qualifiers as Sudan host South Africa in the tournament’s opening fixture.
The group, which also includes reigning African champions Nigeria and Congo, promises to be highly competitive—though many have already pencilled in the Super Eagles as favourites to top the group.
Nigeria Remain the Team to Beat
Despite a respectable performance at the 2014 World Cup, where they reached the round of 16 before losing 2-0 to France, Nigerian football has been marred by off-field instability. A looming FIFA suspension and continued administrative disputes have cast a shadow over the national team.
Coach Stephen Keshi, whose contract situation remains unresolved, insists his squad remains focused:
“These are purely administrative problems that have nothing to do with the team or its performances,” he told CAF’s official website. “My job is to prepare the team for the best results.”
Keshi also admitted he considered stepping down after the World Cup. “I wanted a new challenge, but I received so many calls from fellow Nigerians urging me to stay. Sometimes you have to say yes,” he added.
South Africa Enter a New Chapter
Once among the continent’s footballing powerhouses, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are aiming to turn the page after years of underachievement. The squad heads into the qualifiers under new leadership and with cautious optimism.
While Nigeria remain favourites, South Africa will hope to re-establish themselves as contenders and earn a return to the continent’s elite competition.
