How to cage Eagles

Umpteen times this week we have been bombarded with stories telling us how Bafana Bafana have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive match.

It is time to put that right, so here are a few suggestions on just how to do that:

Convert chances

Bafana have a gaggle of tricky, skilful attackers to provide a blur of movement and leave opponents dizzy and distracted, but they waste far too many of the opportunities they create.

Against Nigeria in September Bafana squandered opportunities that could have sealed a first victory over the Super Eagles in a competitive match. They need to convert them tonight.

Forget about the referee

Shakes Mashaba fears that the referee could spoil tonight's game, but the last thing he and the players should do is let poor officiating deter them from finishing the campaign unbeaten.

Bafana should draw inspiration from Orlando Pirates, who reached the CAF Champions League final, despite horrendous officiating in some of the matches they played away from home.

Stifle wingers Ahmed Musa and Ogeanyi Onazi

Musa and Onazi are tricky and speedy wingers capable of finding a chink in any armour.

Bafana fullbacks Anele Ngcongca and Sibusiso Khumalo need to make sure these players do not whip those dangerous crosses into the area for their strikers Emmanuel Emenike and Ike Uche.

Win the midfield battle

Nigeria have a strong midfield led by Chelsea's John Obi Mikel, who plays in a more advanced position for Nigeria than he does at club level.

Bafana should not allow the Super Eagles' main man to dominate the midfield battle.

Captain Dean Furman and Andile Jali have been superb throughout the qualifiers and need to cut the supply to Mikel.

Nigeria don't function when Mikel is not involved in the game.

Believe in themselves

Nigeria are beatable, and both Congo and Sudan have proved this in the qualifiers. Bafana just need to believe they can finally overcome the defending African champions and play without fear.

Nigeria are under pressure to win the match and home fans will surely get frustrated if things do not go well for the Super Eagles. Bafana should use that to their advantage.