Nigeria is set to go at loggerheads with South Africa in the semifinal tie scheduled for the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Ivory Coast by 6pm today, in a bid to book a spot in the Final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations.

Nigeria, despite its citizens not wanting the tag due to the nature of this year’s African Cup of Nations, is the favourite amongst the last four, having a wealth of experience. Nigeria is making her 16th appearance in the semi-finals of the AFCON while Bafana Bafana makes a return to the semifinals, after a 24-year absence.

The South Africans have been impressive in the AFCON so far, snuffing out favourites, Morocco, and then adding Cape Verde who were previously unbeaten.

Nigeria and the other hand have remained unbeaten in the entirety of their stay in the tournament and have kept four clean sheets while at it. Like the Super Eagles, Broos’s men have not conceded since their tournament opener against Namibia, and the AFCON 2017-winning manager is not expected to change the backline that has kept opponents out in four consecutive games.

South Africa have never beaten Nigeria at the Cup of Nations, losing 2-0 in the semis in 2000, being defeated 4-0 in 2004 and suffering elimination after a 2-1 loss at the last eight in 2019,
underscoring the one-sided nature of this fixture at the continental showpiece.

Nigeria would have to remain compact and the back and clinical in the offence, playing against a South African side who had just five chances overall and three on target against Morocco, yet scored two and concerning none despite the opposition’s attempts.

Both sides are defensively astute and as such a high-scoring game might not be in the cards for the encounter.

Team Concerns

Nigeria could lose Moses Simon, Ola Aina or Calvin Bassey to suspensions in a possible final if anyone among the triad is booked in today’s clash.

At the danger of missing out on a potential final for South Africa are Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala following their yellow cards against Morocco in the round of 16.

Nigeria’s possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi; Simon, Lookman; Moffi

South Africa’s possible starting lineup:
Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Morena, Zwane, Tau; Makgopav.