Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ifeanyi Ibeh
Published on 2024-02-07 19:59:06
The Nigeria national football team, known as the Super Eagles, have reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time since their victory in 2013. They secured their spot after a thrilling semi-final match against South Africa that ended in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The tense match saw both teams drawing 1-1 after regular time and 30 minutes of extra time. Nigeria ultimately emerged victorious with a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout, securing their place in the final against either hosts Cote d’Ivoire or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Super Eagles took the lead in the 67th minute when captain William Troost-Ekong scored from a penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled in the 18-yard area. South Africa responded in the 90th minute with Teboho Mokoena also scoring from a penalty, leveling the score at 1-1, after Alhassan Yusuf fouled Percy Tau.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 115th minute of extra time when Terem Moffi, who had replaced Osimhen, was brought down by Grant Kekana, who was then issued a red card. Despite having a numerical advantage, the Super Eagles failed to score, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
During the penalty shootout, Moffi, Kenneth Omeruo, and Troost-Ekong successfully converted their spot kicks for Nigeria. Meanwhile, South Africa missed two of their spot kicks, ultimately leading to Nigeria’s 4-2 victory in the shootout. Kelechi Iheanacho scored the decisive penalty for the Super Eagles, securing their place in the final of AFCON 2023.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the Super Eagles, as they strive to recapture the success of their 2013 AFCON triumph. With their recent win, they are now set to face a formidable opponent in the final, where they will seek to secure their fourth AFCON title.
