It's a rare honour to be invited for the Mandela Challenge-Keshi

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi said the African champions were honoured to be invited to the Nelson Mandela Challenge and were looking forward the match on Wednesday, 14 August 2013.


Speaking to the press on Tuesday morning, the imposing Nigerian mentor said they had received other invitations for an international friendly on the same date as they prepare for a crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier next month but the match in honour of the anti-apartheid icon was too extraordinary to resist.

"Being here after the Africa Cup of Nations is like de ja vu. It's been a good ground for Nigeria (Moses Mabhida) but we have to focus on why we are here," said Keshi.

Nigeria return to Durban for the second time this year and will still have fresh in their minds memories of the 2013 Nations Cup. The Nigeria coach however, said Bafana were not to be underestimated.

"I am always happy to play against Bafana because they are a good side. This match will help us prepare for Malawi in three weeks and I just think Bafana is the right team to help us prepare for that," said Keshi.

The Nigeria coach said Chelsea star Mikel Obi would not be part of the team due to stomach ache. He added he did not want to risk the player as he would require him for the September 7 encounter against Malawi.

Nigeria had their first training session on Monday night at the King Zwelithini Stadium and will have another run at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night. Bafana were the first to test playing conditions at the match venue on Tuesday morning.