Keshi said it was a match Nigeria needed to win to retain her prestige and status as African champions.

Nigeria spanked the Bafana Bafana 2-0, courtesy of two goals scored in the second half by Venlo of Holland striker, Uche Nwafor.

In a post match conference after the explosive match that was dominated by Nigeria, Keshi said he was happy to win the game.

He said: "The South Africcan team have potentials and played well but we put in our best to win this match because of our fatherland and uphold our status as African champions and I am happy that the team did not disappoint."

Also speaking on why he benched red hot Chelsea striker, Victor Moses, and VVV Venlo attacking wing player, Ahmed Musa, in the first half, Keshi disclosed that he did it on purpose because he knew that the South Africans were expecting Moses and Musa to start the match.

He said: "I knew that South Africans were expecting Moses and Musa to start but I kept them on the bench. But the plans actually worked well because they tormented the South Africans and brought the needed bite in the team.

"I am also very happy with Uche Nwafor for scoring the brace and his overall performance was good."