The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Nigeria and South Africa lock horns in the semifinals of the CAF AFCON 2023, with a place in the finals hanging in the balance.
Both teams arrive boasting impressive form and resilient defenses, but only one can progress to the coveted final.
Nigeria Faces Osimhen Dilemma
A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Super Eagles‘ camp as talismanic striker Victor Osimhen battles abdominal discomfort.
His absence would be a major blow, considering his leadership and goal-scoring prowess. Coach Peseiro must prepare contingency plans if Osimhen is ruled out, potentially relying on Lookman and Simon to shoulder the attacking burden.
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South Africa Seeks Redemption
Bafana Bafana started the tournament shaky with a defeat to Mali but have grown in stature with each passing game.
Their resolute defense, marshaled by Williams and Kekana, has been a cornerstone of their success.
Coach Broos, known for his AFCON magic, will be aiming to repeat his 2017 heroics with Cameroon and guide South Africa to an unlikely final appearance.
Nigeria vs South Africa AFCON Key Matchups:
Osimhen (if fit) vs Williams: If Osimhen recovers, his battle against the in-form Williams will be a duel worth watching.
Iwobi vs Mokoena
The midfield battle between Nigeria’s creative force Iwobi and South Africa’s energetic Mokoena could be decisive.
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Lookman vs Tau: Both wingers possess pace and trickery, making their potential duel an exciting prospect for fans.
Nigeria vs South Africa AFCON Prediction
This promises to be a tight and tense affair. On paper, Nigeria seems the stronger team, but South Africa’s defensive solidity and Broos’s tactical nous cannot be underestimated.
The outcome could hinge on individual brilliance, with Osimhen’s fitness a crucial factor. A narrow victory for Nigeria is predicted, but South Africa has the potential to cause an upset.
Nigeria vs South Africa AFCON Semifinal Showdown
Date and Time:
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
17:00 GMT 6:00pm WAT
Venue: Stade Bouake, Ivory Coast
Where to Watch Nigeria vs South Africa AFCON Semifinal in Nigeria:
Free-to-air:
NTA Sports
AIT
Pay-TV:
DStv on channel 202
NTA Sport 24 on Startime.
Startime Premium, App and TV
Radio:
Brila FM
Wazobia FM
Radio Nigeria
Website.
Recent Form: Unbeaten Warriors
Nigeria enters the semifinal with an unbeaten record, showcasing their strength with victories over Ivory Coast and Cameroon in the knockout stages.
Their defensive solidity is evident as they haven’t conceded a goal since the tournament’s opening draw with Equatorial Guinea.
On the South African front, they have overcome initial setbacks, growing into the tournament with notable victories over Morocco and Cape Verde.
A penalty shootout win against Cape Verde in the quarterfinals, however, may have introduced an element of fatigue.
Nigeria vs South Africa Head to Head Stats
Overall:
Matches Played: 14
Nigeria Wins: 8
South Africa Wins: 1
Draws: 5
Recent Meetings:
2019 AFCON Quarter-Final: Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
2018 AFCON Group Stage: South Africa 0-0 Nigeria
2017 AFCON Group Stage: Nigeria 2-0 South Africa
Other Interesting Stats:
Nigeria has reached the AFCON semifinals a record-equaling 16 times.
South Africa won their only AFCON title in 1996.
Both teams have not conceded a goal since their respective opening matches in the tournament.
Nigeria vs South Africa H2h History: A Repeat of 2000 Semifinal
This encounter echoes the semifinal clash of 2000, where Nigeria emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline in Lagos. Nigeria, with a record-equaling 16th semifinal appearance, aims to secure a spot in the final and potentially clinch their fourth AFCON title”
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