Nigeria’s strong performance in the Africa Cup of Nations has brought them close to the final, but they first need to beat South Africa in the semi-final at Stade de la Paix on Wednesday.
The Super Eagles have not allowed a goal in four straight matches, including their last game against Angola, making it to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana relied on an excellent performance by Ronwen Williams to get past Cape Verde in the quarter-finals .
Match preview
While Nigeria secured another win without letting Angola score, they showed signs of tiredness in the quarter-finals, with some players appearing exhausted during their 1-0 victory.
Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen were notably impacted, and Frank Onyeka got injured, leading to his substitution in the game against Angola.
However, Ademola Lookman has been outstanding for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023, scoring his third goal of the tournament and becoming the fourth Nigerian to score three or more goals in the knockout stages of a single edition.
His goal was crucial in securing a narrow victory and pushing the three-time African champions into an unprecedented 15th semi-final.
Despite concerns about Nigeria’s stamina for another defensively strong performance, their goal to reach their first final since their 2013 victory could motivate them to push through in the semi-final.
South Africa, having eliminated favorites Morocco and beaten Cape Verde, will not be an easy opponent. Williams was the star in the penalty shootout after a goalless 120 minutes, saving four penalties and highlighting his teammates’ missed opportunities.
Thanks to their goalkeeper’s exceptional saves, South Africa has reached their first semi-final since 2000, aiming to surpass their old rival and reach their third AFCON final.
South Africa has never won against Nigeria in the Cup of Nations, highlighting the challenge they face in this match.
Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations form:
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Nigeria form (all competitions):
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South Africa Africa Cup of Nations form:
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South Africa form (all competitions):
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Team News
Osimhen, despite his inconsistent finishing, remains a key player for Nigeria as they aim for their fourth African title. He is expected to lead the attack alongside the effective Lookman and Moses Simon in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Nigeria risks suspensions for Simon, Ola Aina, or Calvin Bassey in the final if they receive a yellow card in the semi-final.
South Africa’s Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, and Mothobi Mvala are also at risk of missing the final due to yellow cards.
Coach Hugo Broos is likely to keep the same defense that has not conceded in four matches.
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali;
Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey;
Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi;
Simon, Lookman;
Osimhen
South Africa possible starting lineup:
Williams;
Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba;
Mokoena, Sithole;
Morena, Zwane, Tau;
Makgopa
Prediction: Nigeria 1-0 South Africa
Nigeria has the advantage of extra rest and has moved through the knockout stages without needing extra time or penalties, giving them the physical edge needed to win the semi-final and progress to the final.
