The Super Eagles are currently in third place on the table with zero points after kicking off their campaign with a 2-1 loss to West African rivals Mali.
However, Stephen Keshi, who was recently named the African Coach of the Year for leading Nigeria to victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations believes the current side made up of locally-based players has potential to turn things around.
“The pressure was massive and I expected this type of thing happening,” said Keshi referring to their opening defeat.
“Gradually, they are getting off it but I must admit that only three players played well in the last game and that was why we lost, we expect eleven players to play well on Wednesday for us to get the result we want.
“But I am certain that they now know that they have to satisfy themselves and have confidence in themselves, because we have lost the opening game and we have to forget that and fight for qualification from the remaining two games.”
Mozambique, on the other hand, are currently at the bottom of the table, also with no points on the board, after giving away their lead to lose 3-1 to hosts South Africa on Saturday.
Mambas coach Joao Chissano is expecting strong backlash from the wounded Super Eagles, but believes his side will play with less pressure.
“The Eagles are the big brothers in Africa, the African champions and Stephen Keshi is the African Coach of the Year,” he said.
“We don’t have any of those accolades, so pressure is on Nigeria not Mozambique.”
The top two sides in the group, South Africa and Mali, will also meet at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday at 17h00.
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