Nigeria secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, marking their first appearance since their tournament victory in 2013, after a gripping semi-final clash against South Africa ended in a 4-2 penalty shootout win.
With four consecutive clean sheet victories in the tournament, Nigeria approached the semi-final in Bouaké with confidence, aiming for their eighth final appearance. However, facing South Africa, making their first AFCON semi-final appearance in 24 years, promised a tough challenge, leading to a tense start with neither side gaining control.
Despite South Africa’s early threats, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili made crucial saves, denying Percy Tau and Evidence Makgopa’s attempts on goal.
After a scoreless first half, Nigeria regrouped during halftime and came back with determination in the second half. Victor Osimhen’s driving run into the box drew a foul from Mothobi Mvala, allowing William Troost-Ekong to convert a penalty, giving Nigeria the lead.
South Africa responded swiftly, with Teboho Mokoena equalizing from the penalty spot in the final minute of regular time after a late tackle on Tau was spotted by VAR.
In extra time, Nigeria had a chance to capitalize on a numerical advantage after South Africa’s Grant Kekana was sent off, but they couldn’t find the winning goal.
The match ultimately went to a penalty shootout, where Nigeria emerged victorious, with goalkeeper Nwabili saving two spot-kicks from Mokoena and Makgopa, and Kelechi Iheanacho sealing Nigeria’s spot in the final.
Nigeria will now face either hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final showdown on Sunday.
