Nigeria Excellence through AFCON

Nigeria have reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 11 years, after a dramatic and thrilling victory over South Africa on penalties. The Super Eagles showed their resilience, determination, and skill to overcome their continental rivals and book a place in Sunday’s decider against either Ivory Coast or DR Congo.

Here are some of the reasons why Nigeria have been excellent at AFCON 2023 and why they can win the title:

Defensive solidity

Nigeria have conceded only three goals in five matches at AFCON 2023, and none of them came from open play. Two were penalties and one was a free-kick. The Super Eagles have been well-organized and disciplined at the back, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali proving to be a hero in the semi-final shootout. The defence, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, has been composed and confident, dealing with the threats posed by the likes of Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa.

Prolific forwards

Nigeria have scored 10 goals in five matches at AFCON 2023, the most of any team in the tournament. The Super Eagles have a wealth of attacking talent, with Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, and Emmanuel Dennis all finding the net. Osimhen has been particularly impressive, scoring four goals and providing two assists. The Napoli striker has been a constant menace for the opposition defenders, with his pace, power, and finishing ability.

Experience and youth

Nigeria have a good balance of experience and youth in their squad, with players who have played at the highest level of club and international football. Troost-Ekong, Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi, and Ahmed Musa are some of the senior players who have provided leadership and guidance for the younger ones. Nigeria also have some exciting prospects, such as Nwabali, Chukwueze, Dennis, and Zaidu Sanusi, who have shown their potential and talent at AFCON 2023.

Team spirit and unity

Nigeria have displayed a strong team spirit and unity throughout the tournament, with the players celebrating each goal and victory together. The Super Eagles have also shown their support and respect for their coach, Jose Peseiro, who took over the job in November 2022. Peseiro has instilled a positive and attacking philosophy in the team, as well as a winning mentality. The Portuguese tactician has also been praised for his tactical flexibility and game management, as he has made the right substitutions and adjustments in each match.

History and motivation

Nigeria have a rich history and tradition at AFCON, having won the title three times (1980, 1994, and 2013) and finished as runners-up four times (1984, 1988, 1990, and 2000). The Super Eagles are motivated to add another trophy to their collection and make their country proud. Nigeria also have a chance to avenge their defeat by Ivory Coast in the 2015 final, if they meet them in the 2023 final. The Super Eagles have shown that they are not afraid of any opponent and that they have the quality and character to win the title.

Match Report

The match report between Nigeria and South Africa is as follows:
Nigeria and South Africa played a thrilling semi-final match at the AFCON 2023 on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with both teams scoring from the penalty spot. Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong converted his spot-kick in the 68th minute, after Victor Osimhen was fouled by Grant Kekana. South Africa equalized in the last minute of the game, when Teboho Mokoena scored from the spot, after VAR awarded a penalty for a handball by Zaidu Sanusi.

The game went into extra time, where Nigeria dominated the possession and created more chances. South Africa were reduced to 10 men in the 105th minute, when Kekana received his second yellow card for a foul on Osimhen. However, Nigeria could not find the breakthrough, and the game went to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, as he saved two penalties from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa. Nigeria scored all four of their penalties, with Osimhen, Iheanacho, Chukwueze, and Etebo scoring. Nigeria won the shootout 4-2 and advanced to the final of the AFCON 2023, where they will face either Ivory Coast.

Nigeria have reached the final of the AFCON for the first time since 2013, when they won the title. They have also extended their unbeaten run against South Africa to nine games, dating back to 2004. South Africa, on the other hand, have missed the chance to reach their first final since 1996, when they hosted and won the tournament. They will play in the third-place match against the loser of the other semi-final.