The “Amapiano Derby” comes to life on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, with Nigeria trading tackles with South Africa at the Stade de Bouaké in Côte d'Ivoire.
The encounter is expected to be riveting and action-packed with the two teams fighting for pride and ultimate glory.
The Super Eagles come into this game still unbeaten in the competition, with 4 victories and 1 draw in 5 matches played, while the Bafana Bafana have suffered just 1 defeat in the competition - their opening group game against Mali (2-0).
South Africa have an age-long rivalry with Nigeria, with both nations always producing a cracker of a contest every time they meet.
The Bafana Bafana have won just one Africa Cup of Nations title and they are aiming to win their 2nd title in history.
Nigeria have won three and could have won even double what the most successful side, Egypt have won (7), if not for their inability to overcome the hurdle of the semi-final on many occasions.
South Africa have finished as runner-up on just one occasion, while the Super Eagles have finished as second-placed on 4 different occasions.
Anyway, the last time both countries clashed in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations was in 2000, with Nigeria coming out victorious 2-0 in Lagos.
Moreover, the last game involving both teams at the Africa Cup of Nations happened in 2019, with the Super Eagles led by Gernot Rohr coming out 2-1 winners over South Africa in Cairo, Egypt.
Head-to-head records give the Super Eagles the edge over Bafana Bafana, with Nigeria having a better record of 7 victories compared to South Africa's 2.
The encounter has so ended with both sides sharing the spoils on 5 occasions and that tells you how competitive a tie this is.
Team News For Nigeria
The Super Eagles were pleased to have Stanley Nwabali in goal for the game against Angola, with the goalkeeper also putting in a magnificent showing in the quarter-final.
Nigeria also have the pleasure of having key notable players still in the setup and fit to play, notably; William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Semilore Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman to mention but a few.
The fitness status of Victor Osimhen is uncertain, with the Napoli poacher said to be a doubt for the game due to “abdominal discomfort”.
Team News For South Africa
Inspiration goalie Ronwen Williams, who made history in the last 8 by saving four penalties in the shootout against Cape Verde is available and fit for the game.
Percy Tau, Aubrey Modiba, and Teboho Mokoena are also available to play, with Hugo Broos' side apparently free from injury concerns.
Prediction: Nigeria 1-0 South Africa
Given how the Super Eagles have won games at the competition, it is expected that they also secure a slim win against South Africa.
They are favorites going into the game and with the awesome quality on parade, they should be able to do the business against Bafana Bafana.
Despite there being an issue regarding potency with Nigeria at the tournament, they likely will grab a crucial goal that will see them through to victory.
Expected Line-up for Nigeria:
Nwabali, Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Sanusi, Iwobi, Onyeka, Simon, Lookman, and Onuachu.
Expected Line-up for South Africa:
Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba, Sithole, Mokoena, Morena, Zwane, Tau, and Makgopa.
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Kick-Off Time: 06:00 PM
The encounter is expected to be riveting and action-packed with the two teams fighting for pride and ultimate glory.
The Super Eagles come into this game still unbeaten in the competition, with 4 victories and 1 draw in 5 matches played, while the Bafana Bafana have suffered just 1 defeat in the competition - their opening group game against Mali (2-0).
South Africa have an age-long rivalry with Nigeria, with both nations always producing a cracker of a contest every time they meet.
The Bafana Bafana have won just one Africa Cup of Nations title and they are aiming to win their 2nd title in history.
Nigeria have won three and could have won even double what the most successful side, Egypt have won (7), if not for their inability to overcome the hurdle of the semi-final on many occasions.
South Africa have finished as runner-up on just one occasion, while the Super Eagles have finished as second-placed on 4 different occasions.
Anyway, the last time both countries clashed in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations was in 2000, with Nigeria coming out victorious 2-0 in Lagos.
Moreover, the last game involving both teams at the Africa Cup of Nations happened in 2019, with the Super Eagles led by Gernot Rohr coming out 2-1 winners over South Africa in Cairo, Egypt.
Head-to-head records give the Super Eagles the edge over Bafana Bafana, with Nigeria having a better record of 7 victories compared to South Africa's 2.
The encounter has so ended with both sides sharing the spoils on 5 occasions and that tells you how competitive a tie this is.
Team News For Nigeria
The Super Eagles were pleased to have Stanley Nwabali in goal for the game against Angola, with the goalkeeper also putting in a magnificent showing in the quarter-final.
Nigeria also have the pleasure of having key notable players still in the setup and fit to play, notably; William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Semilore Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman to mention but a few.
The fitness status of Victor Osimhen is uncertain, with the Napoli poacher said to be a doubt for the game due to “abdominal discomfort”.
Team News For South Africa
Inspiration goalie Ronwen Williams, who made history in the last 8 by saving four penalties in the shootout against Cape Verde is available and fit for the game.
Percy Tau, Aubrey Modiba, and Teboho Mokoena are also available to play, with Hugo Broos' side apparently free from injury concerns.
Prediction: Nigeria 1-0 South Africa
Given how the Super Eagles have won games at the competition, it is expected that they also secure a slim win against South Africa.
They are favorites going into the game and with the awesome quality on parade, they should be able to do the business against Bafana Bafana.
Despite there being an issue regarding potency with Nigeria at the tournament, they likely will grab a crucial goal that will see them through to victory.
Expected Line-up for Nigeria:
Nwabali, Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Sanusi, Iwobi, Onyeka, Simon, Lookman, and Onuachu.
Expected Line-up for South Africa:
Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba, Sithole, Mokoena, Morena, Zwane, Tau, and Makgopa.
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Kick-Off Time: 06:00 PM