Nigeria have advanced to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating South Africa on penalties on Wednesday.
Two second-half goals brought the two clubs equal after 90 minutes and overtime.
However, the Super Eagles were able to maintain their composure and win 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
What five things did we learn from the game?
1. Troost-Ekong is an exceptional captain: For the second time in this tournament, Nigeria’s captain went up to take a game-changing penalties. Again, there was ice in his veins, and he made no errors. Troost-Ekong has also been a solid defender, conceding only twice – the lowest total at the AFCON.
2. VAR has been excellent: At one point in the second half, the Super Eagles thought they had won the game when Victor Osimhen poked into an empty net. However, VAR intervened and returned play to a foul committed by Yusuf Alhassan, with the referee then pointing to the spot. Another sound decision. Since the start of the competition, the technology has received widespread accolades for its efficiency and precision.
3. Nwabali is set to make a significant move: The majority of the buzz leading up to the game was telling the Super Eagles not to let it go to a penalty shootout. This was due goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ unprecedented four saves in their quarter-final match against Cape Verde. But Stanley Nwabali was the standout goalie, making important saves throughout the game and in the shootout.
4. Peseiro must trust his bench: Nigeria concluded the game without Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi on the bench. For the first time in the AFCON, Jose Peseiro called Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi from the bench during extra time. And both forwards were crucial to the team’s advancement to the final, converting their penalty kicks.
5. Nigeria faces Ivory Coast/DR Congo in the final on Sunday, with the potential to capture their fourth continental crown. And you have to realize they are good contenders for it.
To make history, they must battle either hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.