Nigeria sets sights on AFCON finals, confident against South Africa

Nigeria talisman Victor Osimhen (right) celebrates after a past win.[CAF Online]

Nigeria is brimming with confidence as they prepare to face South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals, eyeing a spot in the finals.

Despite facing South Africa, a team they've struggled against recently, the Super Eagles are determined to reverse their fortunes. With a record 15th appearance in the semi-finals, Nigeria aims to capitalize on their momentum and secure victory.

South Africa, on the other hand, enters the match after a grueling encounter against Cape Verde, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerging as the hero after saving four penalties in a shootout.

Despite their resilience, South Africa hasn't reached the semi-finals in 24 years, aiming to break the streak.

"We're in the semis, there's great team spirit and commitment and we're playing as a unit. We have a huge game against a strong team in South Africa and we want to win to reach the final because that is our goal," Nigeria coach José Peseiro told CAF Online.

Peseiro highlighted the threat posed by South Africa.

"It's a high level game and we know their quality, capacity and spirit - they have great players. My players need to give 100% or more to win and achieve our target of making the final."

As both teams boast impressive defensive records, the semi-final clash promises to be a tense affair. Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong, who has already found the net in this tournament, is one to watch, along with South Africa's Teboho Mokoena, known for late-game heroics.

With Nigeria's recent successes and South Africa's determination to make history, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.

As the Super Eagles soar into the semi-finals with confidence, the battle against South Africa could prove to be their ticket to the finals, reigniting hopes of AFCON glory.