Nigeria secures a spot in the AFCON final following a thrilling penalty shootout victory against South Africa, with the Super Eagles prevailing 4-2 on penalties after a captivating 1-1 draw spanning 120 minutes at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday. This semi-final encounter delivered twists and turns.
In a tense first half, Nigeria took the initiative, with both goalkeepers making crucial saves to maintain a goalless deadlock.
However, the match escalated in drama as it approached its climax. Nigeria earned a 67th-minute penalty when Osimhen was fouled in the box, expertly converted by Troost-Ekong.
Despite Nigeria’s frantic efforts to secure a decisive second goal, VAR intervened to overturn Osimhen’s apparent goal due to an earlier foul. Instead, South Africa was awarded a crucial penalty, converted by Mokoena, leveling the score.
In the shootout, Stanley Nwabali’s goalkeeping heroics provided Nigeria with the advantage, as his two crucial saves propelled the Super Eagles to the final.
Nwabali’s celebration marked joy for Nigeria, contrasting with the agony felt by South Africa, whose goalkeeper Williams, despite saving four penalties in the previous round, was inconsolable as their AFCON dream ended.
Nigeria now looks ahead to Sunday’s final against Cote d’Ivoire, aiming to secure their fourth Africa crown.
