“The mood is business like, everyone is psyching themselves up for Nigeria,” states Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Tefu ‘Masha’ Mashamaite upon arrival with the Bafana Bafana squad in Uyo, Nigeria. South Africa faces Nigeria in their final Afcon qualifier on Wednesday evening. Bafana have already qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations Orange 2015 which will be hosted by Equatorial Guinea.

Only a win will guarantee the Super Eagles second place in the group behind Wednesday's visitors, who have not beaten them for a decade.

“The people of Uyo have been very hospitable,” adds Mashamaite. “We are yet to experience the place fully, but it looks beautiful so far.”

For Nigeria, anything but victory at the newly build Akwa Ibom International Stadium could be fatal for their chances of making the tournament in Equatorial Guinea. The two soccer enemies played to a goalless draw in their first round qualifier.

“The rivalry will help us to focus,” continues the inspired Amakhosi captain, “even though we have already qualified. It will leave a bittersweet taste if we lose to them. On the other hand, it will be the icing on the cake if we beat them.”

Nigeria are currently occupying the second position in Group A, level on seven points with Claude Le Roy's Congo, who face bottom-of-the-group Sudan in their final qualifier. Nigeria edges the Congolese in the pair's head-to-head results. As a result, if the Super Eagles match or beat Congo’s result against Sudan qualification will be ensured.

Bafana take a record of three wins and two draws in the five Afcon qualifiers played so far. Nigeria lost twice, won two and drew one (against Bafana in Cape Town on 9 October).

“We want to finish this campaign on a high,” concludes Mashamaite. “Hopefully we can give ourselves a pat on the back afterwards.”

Kick-off is at 19:00. The match will be televised live on SS4.