Nigeria will play in the final of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which will hold on Sunday at Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, the Ivorien capital. It will be Nigeria’s seventh time in the showpiece match, three of which produced positive outcomes.
The Super Eagles won 4-2 penalties after the regulation and extra time ended 1-1.
African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen was pulled down in the penalty area and captain William Troost-Ekong converted from the spot in the 67th minute.
Nigeria thought the game had been wrapped up in the 85th minute when Osimhen scored from Ademola Lookman’s midfield build-up.
But the goal was cancelled following VAR review which concluded that Nigeria committed a foul in their penalty area earlier. Teboho Mokoena struck in from the spot to draw South Africa level.
The Super Eagles were cheered to victory by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who arrived Bouaké, the Ivorien second-largest city, earlier in the day. Among the fans to cheers the team included Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Segun Odegbami.
The Super Eagles await the winners of the second semifinal between hosts Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo, who clash later tonight.
