After a pulsating game of football between Nigeria and South Africa, the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualify for the final of the African Cup of Nations, (AFCON).
Tension hung in the air as the semi-finals unfolded but Nigeria’s talisman, Victor Osimhen showed extreme class in his over all performance. He orchestrated the brilliant penalty that Troost-Ekong lodged expertly at the back of the net and unleashed a flurry of strategic plays that left the crowd breathless.
There was an interesting change of fortune late in the second half of regulation where Osimhen’s goal was cancelled and a penalty decision against the Super Eagles was given because of a foul committed by Nigeria’s Yusuf in their 18 yard box during the build up of Osimhen’s goal. This decision was matched with joy from the South African side and a ray of hope shone upon them. Teboho Mokoena of South Africa dispatched the penalty kick clinically to send the game to extra time.
With seconds of the extra time ticking away, substitute striker Moffi won Nigeria a free kick in a dangerous area, just inches outside the 18 yard box and this caused the Bafana Bafana side to be shy of a player as their Grant Kekana was shown a red card for his professional last man foul and denying Moffi a goal scoring opportunity.
As the final whistle of extra time was blown the scoreboard reflected a neck-and-neck battle, each goal a hard-fought conquest. It became clearer that luck and composure were the keys to progressing to the final of the tournament. Nigeria seized composure and scored four of their five shots to edge South Africa’s two from the spot as Nigeria’s wonder goal keeper, Nwabali, saved two penalties to help secure the win.
Iheanacho’s penalty strike flashed victory, and a euphoric roar erupted from the stands, sealing Nigeria’s place in the final showdown on Sunday.
