With our hearts in our hands, we watched the dramatic match between Nigeria’s strong Super Eagles and South Africa’s formidable Bafana Bafana in the AFCON competition. Reflect on the events of February 7, 2024, at the Stade de la Paix de Bouaké in Côte d’Ivoire. There was so much excitement there that the stadium itself appeared to be holding its breath.
Nigeria entered the game as the Goliaths, possessing a defence that could rival that of a fortress and a winning record of only one in their last nine meetings with South Africa.
After a heart-pounding 90 minutes and an extra-time that felt longer than a Monday, the score remained locked in a 1-1 embrace. It felt like watching a suspenseful movie; instead of popcorn, we clutched our lucky socks.
A penalty shootout added intrigue to the story just when it seemed the drama was finished. Every team took its place and each executed two penalties. After a truly suspenseful match, the Super Eagles emerged victorious 4-2 thanks to penalties.
After defeating South Africa in a thrilling penalty shootout that took place throughout a night of nonstop action, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have guaranteed their place in the AFCON final. Leading the way, Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong scored a penalty against the formidable Ronwen Williams, who was regarded by many as the best goalie in the competition, with ease in the 67th minute. Williams had already demonstrated his abilities in the quarterfinal shootout loss to Cape Verde, where he saved four penalties.
Victor Osimhen, the game’s standout player, earned the vital penalty for Nigeria with a masterful display of skill that tormented the South African defence. The Napoli star seemed to seal the victory for Nigeria with a close-range finish in the 83rd minute, capitalizing on a quick counterattack by the Super Eagles. However, the celebration was short-lived as VAR intervened, overturning the goal and awarding South Africa a penalty for a foul during the process.
The game went into extra time with both teams having chances to win, but Teboho Mokoena calmly converted from the penalty spot to square the score at one. In the heat of the moment, the hero of the shootout was goalie Stanley Nwabili, who showcased his incredible talents by saving two penalties. His outstanding play kept Nigeria ahead, opening the door for Kelechi Iheanacho, who shot the decisive penalty with confidence despite having not played a minute in the tournament prior.
Nigeria’s spot in their eighth AFCON final—where they will take on the tournament hosts, Ivory Coast—was guaranteed by this thrilling penalty shootout. After a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast secured a spot.
Nigeria had only advanced from one of their previous six semifinal matches. This triumph is a noteworthy accomplishment; it marks their seventh win in 16 continental semifinals. The Super Eagles’ victory over this perceived curse is evidence of their tenacity and resolve.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria aim to replicate their previous triumph against fellow Group A participants on Sunday, February 11th, at the Alaskans Ouattara Stadium in Côte d’Ivoire. Their goal is to secure an AFCON championship for the fourth time, a feat not achieved since defeating Burkina Faso in 2013. The Ivory Coast Elephants are pursuing their third AFCON championship; their last victory was in 2015. They leverage the highly sought-after home advantage, enjoying significant favoritism going into the finals as the event hosts.
Sources
