The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the final of the 2023 Nations Cup in Ivory Coast after defeating South Africa 4-2 on penalties.
The Three time champions defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at regulation time . A 67th minute penalty from Nigeria skipper, Troost Ekong gave Nigeria the lead after a foul on victor osimhen in the 18 yard box.
The Super Eagles scored a second goal but was ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee. In the dying minutes of the game, the South Africans were awarded a penalty after Nigeria’s Alhassan Yusuf fouled Percy Tau in the penalty box. Mokema stepped up and converted the penalty to make the match end 1-1 after regulation time.
There were changes from both teams as Nigeria substituted Victor osimhen to bring on Terem Moffi who was fouled closed to the 18 yard box of the South African defense. The foul led to the sending of Grant Kekana on the 115th minute to reduce the Bafana Bafana players to 10.
Both teams continued to look for the winning goal but had to settle for penalties which ended 4-2 in favour of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali was the hero as he saved two penalty kicks. Kelechi ihenancho scored the last penalty kick that sends the West African giant to the Final.
Nigeria will face the winner of the other semi final match between Congo and Host Nation , Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday February 11th 2024.
