Ahead of Nigeria's crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa, former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has tipped the Super Eagles to win the psychological battle over the Bafana Bafana.

The three-time African champions will be hoping to revive their World Cup hopes when they face Group C leaders South Africa on Tuesday, September 11.

The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, after the Super Eagles came from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw.

After matchday seven in the qualifiers, South Africa currently sit at the top of the group with 16 points, six more than Nigeria, who are in third position.

Speaking ahead of the cracker, Ikpeba stated that Nigeria possesses the mental fortitude to edge Bafana Bafana on Tuesday.

“Football sometimes is a mindset, it’s a psychological thing. We always have that psychological edge against the South Africans. When you look at the statistics at the 2019 AFCON, the South Africans were very good and they crumbled against us.

“In 2023, they crumbled, so that pattern is there. I think on Tuesday the South Africans will be more under pressure, so it’s for them to lose, and that makes it more difficult for the South Africans against the Super Eagles.”

“They know we have what it takes to beat them. They play as a team, have a good manager, Hugo Broos, who has done well, but we’ve always had the edge against them when it comes to matches that are very important for both countries.

“I hope our boys can exploit that and take this game to them. They will make mistakes—they are beatable,” the 1994 AFCON title winner added.

WDN