The semi-final game between Nigeria and South Africa at the ongoing AFCON 2023 is anticipated to be a thrilling encounter, given the historic rivalry between the two teams. Both sides boast talented players and have a competitive spirit.
The Super Eagles Nigeria with their array of stars tend to pose a threat to their opponents and they will look to dominate, while South Africa's tactical approach by their coach, Hugo Bros could pose a challenge. However the game lromises to be a closely contested game with potential for surprises.
Both teams have met 14 times, with the first fixture between both sides been played in 1992.
Nonetheless, there have been some amazing fixtures between both sides but we have decided to highlight the three most important and unforgettable matches between both sides in the nations cup history.
(1) AFCON 2019
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Both Nigeria and South Africa were looking to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the fourth and second time respectively. They met each other at the quarter-final stage with Nigeria beating Cameroon 3-2 and South Africa getting past Egypt in the round of 16.
A first-half goal from Samuel Chukwueze gave Nigeria the opening goal before Bongani Zungu equalised with 20 minutes to go. However, William Troost-Ekong stole the show when he scored a last-minute winner.
Nigeria went on to lose 2-1 to eventual champions Algeria in the semi-finals, but secured a third-place finish with a 1-0 win over Tunisia.
(2) AFCON 2004
The group stage game between Nigeria and South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations which was hosted in Tunisia was a memorable encounter for Nigerians. The Super Eagles of Nigeria showed their class as they thrashed South Africa 4-0, with goals from Jay-Jay Okocha, Julius Aghahowa, and a brace from Yakubu Ayegbeni. It was a statement performance for Nigeria, highlighting their strength in the tournament.
Nigeria finished third in the competition after beating Mali 2–1 in the third place play-off match.
(3) AFCON 2000:
Bafana's last appearance in a Africa Cup of Nations semifinal came in Lagos where they were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles of Nigeria. This game still remains one of the most competitive and unforgettable in the history of Nigeria and South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The South Africans were in the form of their lives having hosted and won the tournament in 1996, they finished in second place in 1998. Supporters of the Bafana Bafana were confident that they will beat Nigeria following the form of their players heading into the tournament which was co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria.
The Super Eagles lost the final match against Cameroon on penalties which most Nigerians considers day light robbery due to Victor Ikepba's penalty which was not counted as a goal.
Semi-final fixtures for AFCON 2023
Wednesday, February 7
1: Nigeria vs South Africa (Stade de la Paix, Bouake, 6pm WAT)
2: Ivory Coast vs DR Congo (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm WAT)
Third place play-off
Saturday, February 10
Loser semi-final 1 vs Loser semi-final 2 (Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm WAT)
Final
Sunday, February 11
Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2 (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm WAT)
