Nigeria vs South Africa: Prediction, kick-off time, team news and odds – Evening Standard
Sport | Football
Nigeria and South Africa go head-to-head this evening, in a meeting of two imperious defences, to decide the first team through to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The Super Eagles have conceded just one goal at this AFCON and dispatched Angola in a tight game to qualify for the semi-finals.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW NIGERIA VS SOUTH AFRICA LIVE!
But Bafana Bafana matched their run of four consecutive clean sheets as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams delivered the heroics with four saves in their penalty shootout win over Cape Verde.
Only once since their last AFCON title, which came just over a decade ago, have Nigeria reached the last four – and they have lost five of their last six AFCON semi-finals.
South Africa’s wait stretches back even further, with no title since 1996 and this their first run to the last four since 2000.
Nigeria vs South Africa is scheduled for a 5pm GMT kick-off today, Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
The match will take place at Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC Two, with coverage starting at 4.30pm GMT, as well as Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League.
Live stream: Sky subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app while the game will also be shown for free via the BBC Sport and iPlayer portals.
Live blog: You can follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Nigeria XI: Nwabali, Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Simon, Osimhen
Subs: Uzoho, Alhassan, Musa, Aribo, Chukwueze, Iheanacho, Onuachu, Awaziem, Omeruo, Moffi, Onyedika
South Africa XI: Williams, Kekana, Xulu, Mvala, Modiba, Mokoena, Sithole, Zwane, Mudau, Makgopa, Tau
Subs: Mobbie, Mashego, Appollis, Adams, Monare, Mothwa, Lepasa, Sibisi, Mayambela, Goss, Morena
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Both teams have been outstanding defensively throughout the tournament and it feels as though a single goal will prove the difference in this game.
This one could well go all the way.
Nigeria to win in extra time.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong scored an 89th-minute winner when Nigeria knocked Bafana Bafana out of the 2019 Cup of Nations quarter-finals, which was these two sides’ last meeting.
Nigeria wins: 7
South Africa wins: 2
Draws: 5
Nigeria to qualify: 1/5
South Africa to qualify: 3/1
Odds via Bet365 (subject to change).
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