Nigeria vs South Africa: AFCON 2023 Semi-Final Kick-Off Time, Team News, Predictions (Live Updates)
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face Bafana Bafana of South Africa in yet another thrilling encounter to renew their rivalry at the semi-final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). At 6 pm Nigerian time on Wednesday, February 7, the showdown will begin at Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Cote d'Ivoire.
The semi-final match could come down to the player's experiences and how they handle pressure, a situation in which Nigeria is better than the Bafana Bafana. The Super Eagles will triumph over its hash rival, and the match may end with a 3-0 against South Africa.
Source: Twitter
Super Eagles starting XI
In today’s AFCON 2023 semi-final match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Nigeria’s left-wingback Zaidu Sanusi will miss the game due to injury.
The Eagles’ defence will feature Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina, forming a robust five-man lineup to combat South Africa’s offensive prowess.
Lineup
Stanley Nwabali
Ola Aina
Calvin Bassey
Semi Ajayi
William Troost-Ekong
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Frank Onyeka
Alex Iwobi
Moses Simon
Ademola Lookman
Victor Osimhen
Kanu Nwankwo expresses confidence Eagles will win 2023 AFCON
Former Super Eagles striker, Kanu Nwankwo, has said that he believes the Super Eagles will win the African Cup of Nations tournament.
The former African Footballer of the Year made this known in a video shared by The Nation in a tweet.
See the video here:
Okonjo-Iweala sends message to Super Eagles
Former Nigerian finance minister and DG of the World Trade Organisation has sent good will message to Nigeria's Super Eagles.
In a tweet, the Nigerian icon said:
"Wishing our very own Super Eagles the best of luck tomorrow!! Let’s get it done."
See the tweet here:
Why Osimhen is the most dangerous Super Eagles player for South Africa
A claimed Nigerian statistic page has disclosed in a tweet that Nigeria's victor Osimhen is the most dangerous player in the Super Eagles team, having the highest shots (19) in the AFCON 2023 so far.
The tweet reads:
"That does not scare us, my friend. Have you heard of Victor Osimhen - the reigning African Footballer of the Year? He has taken more shots (19) than any other player at AFCON, and is the tournament leader for xG (3.1). Danger."
See the tweet here:
Lagos set up mega viewing centres to watch Nigeria vs South Africa
The Lagos State Government has set up a mega viewing centre at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan and across the State ahead of the Super Eagles African Cup of Nations semi-final match with South Africa on Wednesday, February 7.
According to the statement shared on the Lagos Government's X handle, 25 viewing centres have been set up in different areas across the state to encourage and ensure that all Lagosians are thrilled and entertained.
See the tweet here:
CAF appoints Egyptian ref to officiate Nigeria vs South Africa match
Egyptian Amin Omar has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as the referee for the Nigeria vs South Africa clash.
According to The Nation, Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stated this in a statement.
"It is going to be Afrobeats or Ampiano party", sports journalist
The last time Nigeria and South Africa clashed in the AFCON was the 2019 AFCON quarter-final game which Nigeria won 2-1.
On Wednesday in Bouake, I will be documenting one of the biggest games at this year's AFCON.
It is going to be Afrobeats or Ampiano party.
See his tweet here:
MTN reveals its choice as Super Eagles clashes with Bafana Bafana of South Africa
MTN Nigeria has expressed its support for the Super Eagles as they clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa
The South African-owned company said: ‘’As always, we are solidly behind our boys and wish them a well-deserved victory.”
South Africans react as Super Eagles say Osimhen may miss Bafana Bafana clash
South Africans have given their take on the possible absence of Nigeria's Victor Osimhen for Wednesday's semi-final clash against the Bafana Bafana.
It was gathered that the Napoli mask man suffered an abdominal disorder and did not travel with the Super Eagles squad for their training session.
This development prompted several reactions from Bafana fans, who labelled the report "mind games."
Super Eagles have beaten Bafana Bafana 7 times in their 14 recent meeting
The Super Eagles have won seven of their last 14 meetings with Bafana Bafana, recording five draws and two losses during that period.
The duo have recorded five draws, while the South African side secured only two wins.
Nigeria has lost 5 semi-finals since 2000
The Wednesday clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bafana Bafana will be the sixth for the West African country.
Since 2000, Nigeria has lost five of their six semi-final games in AFCON. South Africa last reached this stage in AFCON back in 2000, according to The Standard.
