As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 reaches its decisive stages, an electrifying clash awaits football enthusiasts as Nigeria, record semi-finalists, lock horns with 1996 champions South Africa at the Stade Bouake on Wednesday evening.
Nigeria’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by resilience, overcoming challenges to secure a spot in the last four for the 15th time. However, history suggests a degree of difficulty for the Super Eagles in this stage, with five out of their last six appearances ending in defeat, the exception being their victorious campaign in 2013
With the Super Eagles riding high on four consecutive clean-sheet victories in the tournament, they enter the semi-final as the favorites. Nigeria’s journey, marked by a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16 and a narrow win against Angola in the quarters, has showcased their ability to navigate tough encounters.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s resilience was on display as they triumphed over Morocco and advanced past Cape Verde on penalties after an intense 120-minute battle.
Their path to the semi-finals has been no less dramatic, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams etching his name in AFCON history by saving four penalties in a single shootout against Cape Verde. The Bafana Bafana secured a semi-final berth for the first time in 24 years and will be eager to avenge their 2019 defeat to Nigeria.
Both teams boast impressive defensive records, having kept clean sheets in their recent outings. The stage is set for a potentially cagey and tense affair, with fans anticipating a clash of football titans.
As the Stade Bouake prepares to host this epic showdown, football fans can expect a thrilling spectacle as these two African powerhouses vie for a coveted spot in the AFCON 2023 final.
FORM GUIDE
NIGERIA’S FORM
- 2 February 2024: Nigeria 1–0 Angola AFCON 2023 Quarter-finals
- 27 January 2024: Nigeria 2–0 Cameroon AFCON 2023 Round of 16
- 22 January 2024: Guinea-Bissau 0–1 Nigeria AFCON 2023 Group A
- 18 January 2024: Ivory Coast 0–1 Nigeria AFCON 2023 Group A
- 14 January 2024: Nigeria 1–1 Equatorial Guinea AFCON 2023 Group A
SOUTH AFRICA’S FORM
- 3 February 2024: Cape Verde 0–0 (a.e.t.) (1–2 p) South Africa AFCON 2023 Quarter-finals
- 30 January 2024: Morocco 0–2 South Africa AFCON 2023 Round of 16
- 24 January 2024: South Africa 0–0 Tunisia AFCON 2023 Group A
- 21 January 2024: South Africa 4–0 Namibia AFCON 2023 Group A
- 16 January 2024: Mali 2–0 South Africa AFCON 2023 Group A
AFCON HEAD-TO-HEAD
- 10 Feb 2000 Nigeria 2-0 South Africa AFCON 2000 Semi-finals
- 31 Jan 2004 Nigeria 4-0 South Africa AFCON 2004 Group D
- 10 Jul 2019 Nigeria 2-1 South Africa AFCON 2019 Quarter-finals
TEAM NEW
NIGERIA
Victor Osimen was an injury doubt after suffering stomach upset in the last couple of days. However, the latest update from the camp of Super Eagles suggests the Napoli striker has been cleared to feature in the all-important encounter.
SOUTH AFRICA
Bafana Bafana are currently dealing with no fitness issue and are expected to have a full house ahead of the game.