Introduction
Nigeria marched on to the AFCON Semi-Finals and is set to meet the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Stade de la Paix. The Super Eagles of Nigeria made it through to the last 4 after defeating Angola 1-0 in regular time.
Meanwhile, South Africa needed over 120 minutes of football and a penalty shootout with Cape Verde to decide their progression to the semis.
About the game
Nigeria looked every bit like a champion throughout the tournament. The Super Eagles have showcased a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. They field renowned football stars from Europe, such as Alex Iwobi, playing at the heart of their midfield. Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman are also causing chaos from the flanks with the explosiveness and tenacity of Victor Osimhen, enabling the team to transition swiftly from back to the front.
In Nigeria’s quarter-final game against Angola, Iwobi laid a long strike to Simon, who got past his marker and ran to the opposition box before laying it for Lookman to finish. Ademola Lookman’s well-taken goal against Angola shows Nigeria’s dominance and highlights their attacking prowess. The goal makes him the 4th Nigerian to score three or more goals in AFCON knockouts after Rashidi Yekini, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Odion Ighalo.
Their resolute defense, marshaled by Calvin Bassey and Captain Troost-Ekong, ensured they navigated 4 consecutive matches without conceding. This will be the 16th time Nigeria has reached the AFCON’s Semi-Finals in 19 participations in the tournament. Star striker Victor Osimhen was stretched out in the match and will need to pass a late fitness test to feature in Bouake.
Conversely, Bafana Bafana’s journey to the semis has been challenging. They struggled to find their rhythm in the group stage but went on to qualify and are now in the last four. South Africa’s journey through this tournament has been impressive after knocking out Morocco, the highest FIFA-ranked team in the competition at the round of 16.
South Africa secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic penalty shootout win against Cape Verde. The tension increased as neither team managed to score during the intense 120-minute match. The shootout also presents its own drama, with only one of the first six penalties finding the net.
Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, emerged as the hero, saving four crucial spot-kicks. This helped his team to a hard-fought 2-1 victory that sent them to the Semis. This win ensured South Africa got to the semi-finals for the 4th time in their history. The last time they reached the round was 24 years ago. This fighting spirit and resilience will be crucial for South Africa as they face the tough task of overcoming the mighty Super Eagles.
The Best Betting Odds for Nigeria vs South Africa
| Markets | Odds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria win |
1.63 
|
1.62 
|
1.58 
|
1.63 
|
1.635 
|
|
| Draw |
3.50
|
3.55
|
3.50
|
3.56
|
3.58
|
|
| South Africa win |
6.80
|
6.70
|
6.40
|
6.30
|
6.35
|
|
| Under 2.5 |
1.46
|
1.50
|
1.44
|
1.444
|
1.44
|
|
| Under 2.5 |
1.46
|
1.50
|
1.44
|
1.444
|
1.44
|
|
| Under 2.5 |
1.46
|
1.50
|
1.44
|
1.444
|
1.44
|
|
Conclusion
Both teams have the best defensive record in this tournament, with four clean sheets apiece. Their head-to-head meetings had also been an even contest with one win each and three stalemates, making this an intriguing contest to anticipate.
Samuel Okunsolawo is an iGaming expert with over six years of experience in content writing. His passion for simplifying complex concepts makes his articles accessible and useful for beginners and experts alike. With a focus on sports betting trends and reliable betting sites, Samuel’s articles are an excellent resource for those seeking guidance and staying up to date in the world of iGaming.