- The Nigeria vs South Africa match will kick off on Wednesday at 2000EAT.
- Both sides will be fighting for a spot in the final.
- The winner of the game will take on either Ivory Coast or Congo in the decider.
The stage is ready for former African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Nigeria and South Africa to battle for a place in the final of the delayed 2023 edition on Wednesday, February 7. Nigeria, who boast of three AFCON titles, are pre-match favorites owing to the caliber of players in their squad. From the likes of Alex Iwobi to dependable centre-back William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles have the arsenal needed to fly higher and stop South Africa’s party at the Stade de la Paix.
Nigeria, who last tasted AFCON glory in 2013, head into Wednesday’s encounter as one of the nations that have gone most matches without conceding (4). On the other hand, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have also been a joy to watch since the start of the tournament with some of their players like captain Ronwen Williams producing some stunning displays.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was the man of the match in the quarter-final clash against a determined Cape Verde side, saving four penalties in the shootout to help the Hugo Broos charges reach the AFCON semis for the first time since 2000.
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What time does Nigeria vs South Africa start?
The match is scheduled to start at 8 PM Tanzanian time on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix.
Nigeria vs South Africa Team News
Napoli FC goal machine Osimhen is likely to miss the match because of abdominal discomfort. The 25-year-old center forward was not part of the squad which traveled to Bouaké on Monday. With Osimhen’s absence, head coach José Peseiro may give a chance to either Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho or OGC Nice attacker Terem Moffi to lead the line.
Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Moses Simon and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey are all guaranteed a place in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, unlike Nigeria, South Africa do not have any major injury concerns ahead of the historic tie. Williams is expected to keep his place between the sticks with legend Percy Tau and Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa leading the search for goals.
Possible Starting Lineups
Nigeria: Nwabali, Bassey, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Sanusi, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Moffi, Simon
South Africa: Williams, Modiba, Kekana, Mvala, Mudau, Sithole, Mokoena, Morena, Tau, Zwane, Makgopa
Nigeria vs South Africa Head-to-head
Bafana Bafana and Super Eagles have locked horns nine times in all competitions since 2004 with the latter picking up five victories. Three of those fixtures ended in a draw. Nigeria registered a 2 – 1 win over South Africa in the last meeting between the two sides that was played in July 2019. Samuel Chukwueze and Troost-Ekong found the back of the net for Nigeria in that exciting showdown with South Africa’s goal coming courtesy of Bongani Zungu. In addition, the two nations have each won a game in their recent five meetings with spoils shared in three matches.
Nigeria: 5
Draws: 3
South Africa: 1
Nigeria vs South Africa Current Form
Nigeria: DWWWW
South Africa: LWDWD
Nigeria vs South Africa Prediction
Although Nigeria has the better squad between the two sides on paper, most players in Bafana Bafana’s team have had an opportunity of playing together at a club level before the tournament, hence they know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. Osimhen’s likely absence also makes South Africa pre-match favorites since he has played an instrumental role in Nigeria’s campaign, holding up play very well and providing a couple of assists. Therefore, football fans should expect a hotly contested match which may even be decided on post-match spot kicks.