The Super Eagles of Nigeria will continue their quest for a fourth continental title when they lock horns with South Africa in Wednesday’s AFCON 2024 Semi final clash. Peseiro’s men had a tough start to the competition as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea, sparking some criticisms by the fans who had become frustrated with the team’s poor run of form at the time. However, a win against hosts Ivory Coast re-ignited the hope of the Eagles as they went on to finish second in Group A. With a solid defensive display, they were able to get past rivals Cameroon and also obliterated Angola’s dream of making a Semi Final spot for the first time. Now, the three time African Champions are one game away from reaching yet another AFCON final where they would jostle to win a first continental trophy in ten years.
For the Bafana Bafana, it has been a very good outing so far. Although the showpiece began with a 2-0 loss to Mali in their opening tie, South Africa bounced back in the second match, thumping Namibia 4-0, beating Morocco 2-0 in the round of 16 and getting past Cape Verde via penalties on the Quarter Final stage. The defensive solidity of the South African side has made them a tough nut to crack in this tournament, putting them in position for a second AFCON title, the first one since 1996.
In this Nigeria Vs South Africa AFCON prediction, we anticipate a keenly contested affair given the rivalry between both sides both on and off the pitch. Certainly, there is a lot at stake here from the incentive for reaching the final to the banter between fans of both sides, we are definitely in for a cracker here.
Nigeria Team News
The Super Eagles are flying high in a tournament that has seen the exit of highly rated footballing sides like Senegal and Morocco. The competition has no doubt gone totally different from what many pundits had predicted. Looking at the upsets and surprises we have seen so far, Peseiro’s men will certainly be delighted to have overcome the early wobbles and still remain in contention for this year’s title.
Here, they will be hoping to have Victor Osimhen return to full fitness as the African footballer of the year is reported to have picked up a knock in training. This is because although Osimhen has not lived up to expectations in terms of goals, his energetic performance has troubled opponents defence, opening up channels for other teammates to exploit and score goals for the team. In Osimhen’s absence, Peseiro can deploy Iheanacho or Terem Moffi while still banking on Ademola Lookman who has been spectacular for the team. His brace against Cameroon and lone goal against Angola has helped the Eagles remain very much in contention here.
Possible Line Up
Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi; Simon, Lookman, Moffi
South Africa Team News
After the Super Eagles, Hugo Broos’ men are the second most defensively reliable team left in the competition. Since conceding two goals against Mali in the first game, they have kept it tight at the back, earning their 4th consecutive clean sheet against Cape Verde. The defence line has further been strengthened by the heroics of Williams between the sticks for Bafana Bafana. He was all the South Africans needed in the penalty shootout against Cape Verde as he kept it calm to save a couple of spot kicks and push his team to a first Semi Final spot in over 2 decades.
Bafana Bafana will be hoping to see Williams maintain his form to see out the Super Eagles and remain in contention for a second continental title. Based on this, we expect Hugo Broos, the man who led Cameroon to the 2017 title, to stick with his philosophy here.
Possible Line Up
Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Morena, Zwane, Tau; Makgopa
Nigeria Vs South Africa betting predictions
The level of rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, both on and off the pitch, cannot be overstated. From diplomatic row over treatment of Nigerians in South Africa to the battle for supremacy in African music, Nigerians and South African fans have a lot to banter about. This time, while the players do battle on the pitch, the fans will also be hoping it goes their way to have some bragging rights for the off pitch banter.
So far at the AFCON, Nigeria have never lost to South Africa. In the 2000 Semi Finals, they humbled South Africa 2-0, before thumping them 4-0 in 2004 and beating them 2-1 in the Quarter Finals of the 2019 tournament. This highlights Nigeria’s overall experience and dominance in past meetings between both sides. It will certainly give the Eagles a leave of confidence going into this fixture.
Nigeria Vs South Africa AFCON Betting Tip Correct Score; 1-0
We expect a very tough tie looking at the grit both sides have shown, each keeping 4 clean sheets in a row. However, Nigeria seem to have more quality and experience at this level considering the one-sided nature of previous encounters between both teams. Based on this, we are tipping Nigeria to emerge victorious with a correct score prediction of 1-0.
