The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated Bafana Bafana of South Africa to make it to the final of the African Cup of Nation, AFCON 2023.
Nigeria recorded 4-2 victory against South Africa after the teams played a 1-1 during the encounter.
Nigeria will now play the winner of the Ivory Coast versus Democratic Republic of Congo for the ultimate prize.
In a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Nigeria secured a momentous victory over South Africa, propelling them into the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The match, which unfolded with intense fervor and determination from both sides, saw Nigeria’s Super Eagles soaring to victory with a final score that left supporters jubilant. Despite facing formidable opposition from South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Nigeria demonstrated their prowess on the field, showcasing skillful plays and strategic maneuvers that ultimately secured their path to the AFCON finals.
The encounter was marked by moments of brilliance and tension, as each team fought fiercely for dominance on the pitch.
Nigeria took the lead in the second half when captain William Troost-Ekong converted a spot kick won by talisman Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen thought he had rounded out his fine performance with a late tap-in but a VAR check caused incredible drama in Bouake. The Napoli star’s strike was ruled out and South Africa were awarded a penalty following substitute Alhassan Yusuf’s rash challenge.
Teboho Mokoena duly dispatched and set up some nervy closing stages for Nigeria, who clung on before an end-to-end extra-time period. Grant Kekana was sent off late on for South Africa after another VAR check, with penalties ultimately needed to separate the two sides. Kelechi Iheanacho was the hero as Stanley Nwabali starred in goal saving two spot kicks to send the Super Eagles through.
Ronwen Williams couldn’t keep any of Nigeria’s spot kicks out but Ola Aina balloned his before Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning kick.
With this triumph, Nigeria’s national team has once again asserted its dominance in African football, further solidifying its reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. As they prepare to face off against their next opponent in the finals, the Super Eagles carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation, as legions of fans rally behind them in anticipation of another historic victory.
For South Africa, they will play against the loser of the second Semi-final match between host Ivory Coast and surprise package DRC for the third position.
