NIGERIA will face South Africa this evening in the first Afcon semi-final of the day.
The Super Eagles are eying their first Nations Cup triumph since 2013 when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.
Later tonight, Ivory Coast will take on DR Congo after Oumar Diakite’s 122nd-minute match-winner against Mali booked the host’s spot in the final four.
- Nigeria vs South Africa kick off time: 5pm GMT
- Ivory Coast vs DR Congo kick off time: 8pm GMT
- TV channel: BBC Two/Three
- FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Follow our live blog below…
Team news
Starting with Nigeria, who will be thrilled to have Victor Osimhen fit for this one.
He gets the nod in a stellar attacking line-up filled with Premier League stars, past and present.
Fulham’s Calvin Bassey also takes his place in defence.
NIGERIA XI: Nwabali, Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey, Osay-Samuel, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Simon, Osimhen
Top hosts
Ivory Coast and DR Congo meet in the other semi final later tonight.
The host nation are just favourites in the betting to reach the final – after a hugely dramatic campaign to date.
They sacked head coach Jean-Louis Gasset after a hugely disappointing group stage campaign – which they ended up QUALIFYING from to reach the last 16.
A penalty shoot out win over Senegal followed, with them needing extra time to beat Mali in the quarter finals.
Who could begrudge them a final on home turf?
Nigeria record at this stage…
Incredibly, this is Nigeria’s record 15th appearance in the semi finals of this competition.
But it’s been a stage they’ve stuttered at recently.
In fact, they’ve only reached the final once from their last six games in the AFCON semis.
Though the one time they did progress to the final in that time – in 2013 – they went on to claim the trophy.
The hosts that year? South Africa.
Need to create
Nigeria boss Jose Peseiro has lauded his side’s defensive displays after four consecutive clean sheets to reach the final four.
But he’s pleaded with his side to create more scoring chances tonight.
He reckons a more prolific display in the final third will be necessary to reach the final.
He said: “The team could have created more opportunities.
“We are a quality team Angola was very good, but we had more luck. I remain satisfied with my players but want us to be more efficient.
“We’re missing key creators like Iheanacho and Aribo, so it’s been hard. But others must now step up.”
Fears over
Victor Osimhen’s participation tonight looked in serious jeopardy when Jose Peseiro refused to give an update on his fitness.
The Napoli superstar’s abdominal discomfort forced him not to travel to Bouake.
But the Super Eagles’ X account calmed fears yesterday, revealing he will be fit this evening.
The statement read: “Victor Osimhen has been declared fit and available for selection in the semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday,’ the statement read.
“He has joined the team in Bouaké and has trained with the squad today.”
Welcome!
A very good evening and welcome to tonight’s first African Cup of Nations semi final between Nigeria and South Africa.
Nigeria secured their passage to this stage with a 1-0 win over Angola in the quarters.
Former Everton and Fulham winger Ademola Lookman with the only goal in the game in the first half.
That was their third 1-0 victory of the competition.
South Africa’s quarter final was an even tenser affair, relying on a penalty shoot out to prevail beyond Cape Verde.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero on the night saving FOUR penalties in that shoot out.
That’s led both sides to tonight….
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
