Gernot Rohr had 22 of his invited players train on Tuesday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, as they begin full preparations for Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying battle against the Bafana Bafana  of South Africa at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg.

Only Bordeaux striker Samuel Kalu, who is expected in camp today, was not part of the training..

Stand-in captain Ahmed Musa as well as goalkeepers Daniel Akpeyi, Theophilus Afelokhai and Ikechukwu Ezenwa and defenders Olaoluwa Aina, Adeleye Aniyikaye, Semi Ajayi, Bryan Idowu, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo and Jamilu Collins trained.

There were also midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu and Mikel Agu, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Henry Onyekuru, Alex Iwobi, Isaac Success and Samuel Chukwueze.

Table-toppers Nigeria need a point from Saturday’s encounter inside the FNB Stadium to be sure of a slot at next year’s continental showpiece, but a combination of national pride, assumed rivalry between both teams and commitment to avenging a defeat by the Bafana Bafana in Uyo 17 months ago has adorned this match with a totally different garb.

On Match day 1 of the qualifying series, South Africa won 2-0 with goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau right inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, as Coach Gernot Rohr sent out a young, inexperienced Nigerian squad.

However, that defeat, the first ever to South Africa in a competitive match, stirred the Eagles and they swept all before them to earn a 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket with a match to spare.

However, the memory of that defeat has not gone away, which was why the Eagles have pulled no punches since the 2019 AFCON qualifiers resumed in September, winning all three matches to bounce to the top of the pool and standing at the door of qualification with a match to spare.

The Nigeria delegation to Saturday’s big match will depart the country aboard a chartered flight from the Benin City Airport on Thursday evening. The Eagles are expected to have a feel of the FNB Stadium on Friday afternoon by 3.30pm.