Nigeria desperate to bounce back

After some shock results in the opening round of group qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the likes of defending champions Nigeria and Egypt will be desperate to bounce back today.
Fourteen matches will be played as the 28 teams continue their quest to reach next year’s tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria lost at home for the first time in 33 years on Saturday, beaten 3-2 by Congo in the shock result of the weekend.
The reigning champions travelled to South Africa knowing another defeat would severely damage their chances of qualification – and it would further underline one of the most turbulent periods in the Super Eagles’ history.
Off-field divisions in the Nigeria Football Federation had threatened the match but controversially-elected president Chris Giwa stepped aside to prevent the country being served a worldwide ban by Fifa.
However, the NFF in-fighting and the uncertainty over caretaker coach Stephen Keshi’s position appear to have affected the players and the slide has to be arrested before it becomes a freefall.
Keshi may opt to bring in burly Turkey-based striker Emmanuel Emenike, who troubled Congo when he came off the bench for the second half.
Fellow striker Sone Aluko is positive his side can turn around their fortunes.
“We will bounce back and if we get the three points away from home the group will be opened up again,” he told BBC Sport.
However, a resurgent Bafana Bafana side, who swept aside Sudan 3-0 in their opener, feel they stand an excellent chance of achieving their first victory over Nigeria.
New coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba is confident his dream start to the job can continue.
Her told BBC Sport: “Our problem could be over-motivation to finally overcome the psychological barrier of never having beaten Nigeria. We need our players to have mental toughness; to play with their minds and complement that with big hearts.
“I think we will defeat them. And it will be a turning point for these young South African boys, once we beat Nigeria. They can go on to become very big names.”
Congo coach Claude LeRoy will be keen for his side to capitalise on their excellent start and prove that the win in Nigeria was no fluke by coming out on top against Sudan.
Striker Thievy Bifouma could once again be the star man, following on from his brace against the Super Eagles.
Former youth international made his debut for Congo only last month, and has made a huge impact in his two appearances.