AFCON 2023 : Nigeria Sails To Final

After a highly contested match full of extra-ordinary scenes and twists, the Super Eagles of Nigeria finally picked the first spot in the 2023 AFCON final. This is after a 4-2 win over South Africa in post-match penalty shootouts yesterday February 7, 2024 at Stade de la Paix in Bouake. The semifinals game ended on a 1-1 stalemate after extra-time.
Despite the defeat, South Africa gave Nigeria a run for their money. The Nigerians started the game with so much enthusiasm and showed signs of a team hungry for an early lead in the first half. But as play progressed, South Africa took over possession making use of counter attacks and favouring long balls. Both sides had clear chances but squandered them all.
Magic took center stage in the second half. The Super Eagles started with a similar energy putting pressure on their Bafana Bafana opponents. The pressure finally paid-off when a penalty was awarded thanks to a fault on star player Victor Osimhen. Team captain, William Troost-Ekong took his responsibility to offer Nigeria the lead at the 67th minute. It was Troost-Ekong’s second goal in this competition. Nigerian continued to manage play but an extra-ordinary scene erupted in the dying minutes of the game. Osimhen thought he had sealed the victory for Nigeria when he tapped in the ball into the South African net. But before they could finish celebrating, the Egyptian referee, Amin Omar had moved to the VAR screen. He came back to cancel Osimhen’s goal and gave a penalty to South Africa for an earlier fault.  Teboho Mokoe...