The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 is gradually coming to its climax with lots of exciting and unpredictable results.
The competition which currently is at the semifinals stage has great teams battling for a place in the finals.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa would on Wednesday, February 7, lock horns as they battle for one of the slots at the finals of the Prestigious AFCON 2023.
The match would take place at the Stade La Paix (Peace Stadium of Bouake), Bouake in Ivory Coast at 6pm.
Nigeria’s journey has been marked by impressive victories and resilient performances, showcasing their status as one of the tournament favourites.
Although Nigeria head into this highly competitive game as favourites after beating Angola 1-0 in their quarter final clash, it is worth noting that South Africa will not be overlooked.
Bafana Bafana comfortably overcame Morocco, who were initially one of the tournament’s favourites before seeing off fellow quarter-finalists Cape Verde 2-1 via penalties.
Hugo Broos’ South Africa side are currently unbeaten in 13 games in all competitions, whereas Nigeria suffered a loss to Guinea in preparation for this year’s AFCON tournament.
Nigeria has so far been crowned AFCON champions on three occasions out of the seven final appearances they have made. The Super Eagles have also finished third on eight occasions, most recently in 2019.
The Bafana Bafana on the other hand, have been crowned AFCON champions at their inaugural tournament in 1996, and went on to finish second and third in 1998 and 2000.
Head to Head Record:
The Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana have met 14 times, with the first fixture coming in 1992 and the last meeting was at the 2019 edition of AFCON held in Egypt.
The Nigerian team has had the best result against their counterparts with 7 wins, drawn 5 games and lost just two.
It will be the seventh game between Nigeria and South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Eagles winning three of the AFCON games, drawing three and losing just one . This includes the last time South Africa appeared in the semi-finals of an AFCON tournament, with Nigeria beating them 2-0 in 2000.
Nigeria would be playing their 16th semi-final at the Africa Cup of Nation of which they have progressed to finals in just one out of the last Six.
South Africa on the other hand are playing their fourth semi-final at the Africa Cup of Nations, and their first since 2000, when they were eliminated by Nigeria.
