Lagos, (NG): Nigeria’s national team; the Super Eagles is on cloud 9 after securing a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in a hard-fought shootout victory over South Africa.
Despite the pressure of having lost five of their previous six AFCON semifinals, Nigeria overcame a spirited South African side, with William Troost-Ekong scoring a crucial penalty in the second half.
However, a late VAR-awarded penalty for South Africa, converted by Teboho Mokoena, sent the match into extra time.
The game took a dramatic turn as Bafana Bafana lost defender Grant Kekana to a red card, giving Nigeria the advantage.
Despite a tense battle, the match reached a penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s heroics, saving two penalties, sealed Nigeria’s place in the final.
Following Nigeria’s progress to the tourney final, Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with Governors Dapo Abiodun and Duoye Diri, Minister for Youth Dr Jamila Ibrahim, oil mogul Wale Tinubu, FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick, and NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, visited the dressing room to commend the team’s commitment.
In a show of national pride, VP Shettima assured the Super Eagles of the government and the people’s pride in their accomplishments. The promised rewards are a testament to the recognition of the team’s dedication.
The final hurdle awaits the Super Eagles as they are set to face the hosts, Cote D’Ivoire, in what promises to be an epic showdown on Sunday, February 11.
Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON final is a testament to their resilience and determination, capturing the hearts of a nation eagerly anticipating the grand finale.
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