Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-06 21:50:05
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up to face off against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday. This will mark the fourth time the Nigerian and South African teams have met at AFCON level, with the Super Eagles claiming victory in the previous three encounters with an aggregate score of 8-1. Nigeria will be looking to maintain their winning streak against South Africa at the AFCON level and they have the talent to achieve this feat.
This article takes a closer look at three key players for the Super Eagles who have the potential to put an end to South Africa’s dream of securing their second AFCON trophy.
Ademola Lookman, currently playing for Atalanta in Italy, has been a standout player for Nigeria. He has impressed with his goal-scoring ability, finding the back of the net in consecutive matches against Cameroon and Angola during the knockout stages of the competition. Lookman’s performance has been crucial in securing victories for the Super Eagles and he has also provided assists for his teammates in earlier matches. As a result, he has garnered attention and become a key player for Nigeria, especially with his ability to score crucial goals.
Moses Simon, who currently plays for FC Nantes in France, has also exhibited an improved performance for Nigeria during the tournament. After a disappointing start to the competition, he has become pivotal, contributing to the team’s success with his runs and crosses. His assist against Angola helped Nigeria secure a spot in the semi-finals, showcasing his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. His consistency and impressive performance for FC Nantes further establish his importance to the Nigerian team.
Victor Osimhen, a striker for Napoli in Italy, has continued to be a reliable player for the Super Eagles despite facing challenges at the tournament. While he hasn’t scored as many goals as expected, he has been instrumental in drawing defenders and creating space for other attacking players, particularly Lookman. Osimhen’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has been crucial to Nigeria’s progress in the competition. His impeccable performance at Napoli further underscores his significance to the Nigerian team.
Nigeria has high hopes for these players and believes they will play a crucial role in the team’s success in the upcoming match against South Africa. With their talent, skills, and remarkable performances, they are poised to make a significant impact and help the Super Eagles secure their fourth AFCON title. The match against South Africa will test the abilities of these players, and all eyes will be on them to deliver a winning performance for Nigeria.
