By Olusola Alabi
Nigeria secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final for the first time since winning the competition in 2013 after a tense battle with South Africa ended 4-2 on penalties in the semifinal clash.
Having clinched four successive wins without conceding a goal in the tournament, Nigeria entered the match against South Africa with confidence, aiming for their eighth final appearance.
In a matchup against South Africa, playing in their first AFCON semifinal in 24 years, both teams struggled to assert dominance in the early stages of the game.
South Africa had a golden opportunity to take the lead before the half-hour mark, but Percy Tau’s shot was saved by Stanley Nwabili.
As halftime approached, South Africa continued to threaten, with Nwabili making crucial saves to keep Nigeria in the game.
After the break, Victor Osimhen missed a chance to put Nigeria ahead, but made amends by winning a penalty, which was converted by Troost-Ekong to give Nigeria the lead.
South Africa responded swiftly, with Makgopa coming close to equalizing, but his shot went wide.
A late VAR decision disallowed a goal from Osimhen, giving South Africa hope, and Mokoena converted a penalty to level the scores in the final minute of regular time.
The match went into extra time, with Nigeria unable to capitalize on a numerical advantage after a South African defender was sent off.
The game ultimately went to a penalty shootout, with Nigeria emerging victorious as Nwabili saved two spot-kicks, allowing Kelechi Iheanacho to score the decisive penalty.
Nigeria will now face the winner of the match between hosts Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s final.