Nigeria's Super Eagles are scheduled to face South Africa at the Peace Stadium on Wednesday in a bid to qualify for the final.
Soccernet.ng exclusively reports that Nigeria's Super Eagles are all set to take on South African side Bafana in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 with Ademola Lookman's winning goal, securing a place in the semi-finals against South Africa.
The Nigeria national team practiced behind closed doors that day, but there were no reports of injuries during or after the match against Angola.
The Super Eagles are therefore expected to use key players such as outstanding goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and in-form Atalanta striker Lookman, who has scored three goals in Nigeria's last three games.
William Troost-Ekong picked up a bruise before the match against Angola, but said that despite the minor injury, he was able to play effectively and lead the defense for Nigeria. Alhassan Youssouf, who recovered from a knock in the opening game against Equatorial Guinea, has also made a full recovery and received valuable playing time against Angola.
The next match between Nigeria and South Africa will be held at the Peace Stadium in Bouake. Jose Peceiro's team want to give their fans another reason to cheer.
It will be a big loss for the three-time African champions if the Napoli striker does not reach the semi-finals.
Soccernet.ng reports that manager Jose Peceiro has commented for the first time on the possibility of Victor Osimhen not being available for Nigeria vs South Africa.
The Super Eagles will face South Africa's Bafana Bafana on Wednesday in the first semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
There are signs that key player Osimhen may miss the match after suffering health complications in Abidjan over the weekend.
Osimhen played almost 90 minutes as Nigeria narrowly defeated Angola 1-0 in the quarter-finals. The Super Eagles left Abidjan on Monday night and safely arrived in Bouake where they will play against South Africa.
Super Eagles face tough test from Palancas Negras
It is clear that Nigeria are hungry for a fourth AFCON title and a win against Angola is essential to keep that dream alive.
Written by Tunde Eludini February 2, 2024 Reading time: 6 minutes
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After a comfortable win over Cameroon's Indomitable Lions at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan last Saturday, the Super Eagles returned for an exciting encounter at the same venue.
On Friday night, Jose Pesselio's side face a difficult test against Angola's Palancas Negras, but the reward for victory is a place in the semi-finals.
The Super Eagles are among the favorites due to their success in AFCON and high FIFA ranking, but the 2023 AFCON tournament will prove to be a tournament for the underdogs and the pendulum will swing in favor of the Angolans. It unfolded.
Conceding just one goal in four games, Nigeria's average defensive performance appears to remain intact against one of the strongest attacking lines in the tournament. There is certainly a lot at stake for both teams, so there is no margin for error.
Angola, who are currently on a three-game winning streak, can secure their historic first place in the AFCON semi-finals if they win their fourth game in a row against Nigeria.
The Portuguese coach spoke about Lookman in his pre-match press conference and the Atalanta striker once again showed his skills.
Lookman's intended pass to Ola Aina was checkmated.
Poor Sanusi denied Nigeria a chance to double their lead.
Analysis of the first half of this year:
The Eagles almost scored in the first minute, but Frank Onyeka's shot was blocked. Although the Nigerians controlled the game for the most part, the Angolans had poor possession and at times had few shots on goal.
Captain William Troost-Ekong played a key role in defense during these phases by defending and intercepting all shots and crosses on goal. In the 4th minute, Agostinho Mabululu had the first shot on goal, but it was saved by Stanley Nwabali and turned into a corner kick.
Zaidou Sanusi had two chances to threaten the Angolan, but both times he hesitated and missed the chance. The Eagles will need to show more discipline from their wings as the second half approaches.
The second half will be held at the Félix Houpouet-Boigny Stadium.
Semi Ajayi's spectacular defensive recovery as Angola aim for an equaliser.
Osimhen doesn't look good at first, but comes back to continue the match
Several players are already preparing for the Super Eagles... Pesselio is likely to make some changes to the squad
Simon Moses wins free kick for Nigeria
Super Eagles win a corner kick and Zaidu Sanusi makes up for his earlier mistake.
Osimhen approaches, but the Napoli striker fails to score
Tense moment for Nigeria as Angola nears tie with post saving Super Eagles
Nwabali keeps his cool and evades the Angolan striker's attempt directly.
Osimhen asks for a handball, but the referee is not interested.
Moses Simon fires a shot into the Angola penalty area, but his last shot is blocked.
The diminutive striker wins a free kick for the Super Eagles
Zaidu Sanusi shoots...on target but Signori catches it
65 minutes have passed...Nigeria – Angola 1-0
Zito Lubumbo and Bruno Paz will represent Angola and aim for the equalizer
Super Eagles make another successful fast break
Super Eagles have the weakest defense in AFCON 2023 with just one goal conceded.
Great free kick from Calvin Basie as Angola team continues to press
Angola's Manuel Kahumana takes a long-range shot but misses the target.
70 minutes: Nigeria – Angola 1-0
Osimhen admits another reckless tackle, referee gives yellow card to Karonda Gaspard
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