Cote d’Ivoire beat Congo DR 1-0 to get to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. They will now meet Nigeria  in the final match on Sunday.  Both teams had met in the group stages. It will be the fourth time Nigeria will be facing a team they met at the group stage in the final.

It happened in 1988 when they drew 1-1 with Cameroon in Group B at Rabat and then face the same team in the final match

They played Algeria in the group match in 1990 and again in the final.

They did the same in 2013 when they faced Burkina Faso at the group stage and then in the final match.

For Cote d’Ivoire, they become the second team after Nigeria to lose by a four goal margin at the group stage and then get to the title match.

Nigeria lost 5-1 to Algeria at the group stage and then navigated to the final to play Algeria again. Cote d’Ivoire lost 4-0 at the group stage and are now in the final.

Cote d’Ivoire will face Nigeria in the final match of the 2023 AFCON after a 1-0 semi-final win over DR Congo on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Cote d’Ivoire clinched a spot in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations following a hard-fought 1-0 win against DR  Congo.

Their triumph sets the stage for an exciting final showdown against Nigeria, scheduled to take place on Sunday.

This final match between Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria carries additional significance as both teams previously clashed during the group stages of the tournament.

Remarkably, this will mark the fourth occasion in history that Nigeria will face a team they encountered in the group stage in the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The first instance occurred in 1988 when Nigeria drew 1-1 with Cameroon in Group B at Rabat before facing the same team in the final match.

This pattern repeated in 1990 when Nigeria faced Algeria in the group stage and subsequently met them again in the final. The trend continued in 2013 when Nigeria encountered Burkina Faso during the group stage and later squared off against them in the final match.

Additionally, Cote d’Ivoire has made history by becoming the second team after Nigeria to advance to the title match despite suffering a four-goal deficit in the group stage.

Nigeria experienced a similar scenario in 1990 when they lost 5-1 to Algeria in the group stage but managed to reach the final to face Algeria once more.

Similarly, Cote d’Ivoire faced a 4-0 defeat in the group stage but has successfully progressed to the final.

Portuguese coach, Peseiro Vitor dos Santos Peseiro exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations as he has now guided Nigeria to the title match of the Africa Cup of Nations.

His antecedents did not suggest this would happen as Nigeria will now face Cote d’Ivoire in the final match on Sunday.

Prior to now, the Super Eagles under him had been on a steady loss in relevance as the once most fancied team in Africa could not hold assert itself even in contest with far lower teams like Lesotho and Zimbabwe among others.

The pedigree of Peseiro did not support a dream of his leading Nigeria to glory in Afcon.

He had only previously handled two lowly-rated national teams – Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Peseiro’s other jobs were being assistant to other coaches and handling clubs in the fourth-tier Portuguese league.

As a player, he was a second-tier striker in Portugal. As he said in an interview on UK’s Sky Sport: “I did not play at a high level.”

His coaching career took a turn after promotion to the top flight with Nacional. A job offer set him on a different trajectory.

Legendary Portuguese coach, Carlos Queiroz  made him his assistant at Real Madrid in 2003. That was Jose Peseiro’s biggest moment.

Peseiro was taking sessions with Raul, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, with Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo. “Until then, I was afraid. Never before had I shared a dressing room with big players. But it was not difficult because they are so smart. It was fantastic.” The experience lasted only one season.

In his playing career, he never won any silverware. So also had been in his coaching career that started in 1992 with União de Santarém in Portugal.

In a dramatic semifinal clash at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Nigeria’s Super Eagles sealed their spot in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a tense penalty shootout victory over South Africa.

The match, which ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, saw both teams exhibit impressive performances in a thrilling end-to-end encounter.

Here’s a breakdown of the Super Eagles players’ performances:

1. Stanley Nwabali (8.5/10): The Chippa United goalkeeper showcased remarkable skill, making four crucial saves during regular play and two more during the penalty shootout, solidifying Nigeria’s defense.
2. Bright Osayi-Samuel (7/10): The Fernabache full-back delivered a solid performance, completing 91% of his passes and contributing defensively before being substituted for Kenneth Omeruo.
3. William Troost Ekong (7.6/10): As team captain, the PAOK central defender displayed leadership, scoring a vital penalty and demonstrating expertise in defense and penalty-taking.
4. Semi Ajayi (6.8/10): The West Bromwich Albion defender proved formidable in aerial battles and provided valuable support in attack when needed.
5. Calvin Bassey (7.5/10): The Fulham defender exhibited strength and resilience, winning all of his duels and ensuring defensive stability.
6. Ola Aina (7/10): Despite being deployed on the left side due to Zaidu’s injury, the Nottingham Forest full-back delivered decent crosses while battling on his weaker side.
7. Frank Onyeka (7/10): The Brentford midfielder contributed tirelessly in midfield, disrupting South Africa’s play with well-timed tackles and interceptions.
8. Alex Iwobi (6.5/10): The former Arsenal player struggled with the intensity of the South African midfield before being substituted in the second half.
9. Ademola Lookman (6.2/10): The Atalanta forward missed a golden opportunity but remained a threat, creating chances and attracting attention from the opposition.
10. Moses Simon (5/10): The Nantes winger faced difficulties beating his marker and was dispossessed frequently before being replaced by Samuel Chukwueze.
11. Victor Osimhen (7.5/10): Osimhen’s skill and tenacity earned Nigeria a crucial penalty and tested the South African defense throughout the match.

Substitutes:

• Yussuf Alhassan (5.5/10): The Antwerp midfielder struggled defensively and conceded a crucial foul that led to South Africa’s equalizer.
• Samuel Chukwueze (6/10): Chukwueze injected energy into Nigeria’s attack but faced challenges with decision-making.
• Joe-Ayodele Aribo (6/10): The Southampton midfielder provided stability in midfield and avoided errors that could lead to goals.
• Kelechi Iheanacho (6.3/10): Iheanacho made valuable contributions offensively, scoring the winning penalty in the shootout.
• Terem Moffi (6/10): Moffi demonstrated composure under pressure, converting his penalty confidently during the shootout.
• Kenneth Omeruo: The Kasimpasa defender confidently dispatched his penalty, contributing to Nigeria’s shootout victory.

Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties to reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. SportsRation reports.

Regulation and extr-time ended 1-1 with both teams converting spot-kicks to go all the way in Boauake.

Nigeria took the lead in the 65th minute when skipper William Troost-Ekong scored from the spot after Victor Osimhen was fouled in the box.

Nigeria started the game as favourites to win the AFCON semi-final in Boauke but found the opening exchanges tight with Bafana Bafana posing a serious threat on the counter-attack.

The best chance of the first half fell to South Africa but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was alert to push a way a goal-bound effort to keep the Eagles level.

First half ended goalless with Hugo Broos tutored Bafana Bafana the most comfortable with the score.

In the second-half, Nigeria resumed pressure and got due reward when Victor Osimhen powered his way into the penalty area only to be brought down by a South African defender.

William Troost-Ekong took responsibility for the spot-kick and fired past penalty specialist Ronwen Williams, who agonisingly saw the ball pass under his body into the net in the 65th minute.

That goal looked like it was taking the Eagles to the AFCON final until a stoppage time penalty kick was awarded to South Africa following a foulby substitute Alhassan Yusuf. Mokoena beat Nwabali from the spot to send the game to extra-time.

After extra-time failed to produce a goal, the match was taken to penalties with Nigeria’s goalkeeper the hero with two saves to inspire a 4-2 shootout win for the Eagles.

Nigeria will now face the winner of the second semi-final game between tournament hosts, Ivory Coast and Dr Congo in the final on Sunday.

The Eagles are eyeing a fourth Africa Cup of  Nations title.

Egypt named Hossam Hassan as their new coach on Tuesday, with the team’s all-time leading scorer finally landing his dream job following the sacking of Portuguese Rui Vitoria.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) made the announcement in a brief statement, saying Hassan’s twin brother, Ibrahim Hassan, had also been appointed as Egypt’s team director.

Although the EFA initially said they were considering foreign candidates for the role, they swiftly brought in Hassan as a replacement for Vitoria, who was dismissed on Sunday after the Pharaohs exited the Africa Cup of Nations at the last-16 stage.

Hassan has made no secret of his desire to take up the job on numerous occasions, complaining that he was often overlooked despite being sufficiently qualified.

Critics have cited his fiery temper as a reason for him previously failing to land the job, as he has had various disciplinary problems.

In 2016, he was briefly remanded in custody for running after and attacking a photographer following the end of a local league game while in charge of Al Masry. Most recently, he was fined for breaking the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor during a league game in early 2023.

Although Hassan’s managerial stints have not yielded any trophies, he was often credited with helping unfancied teams punch above their weight. He has guided a handful of Egyptian clubs, including Cairo giants Zamalek, since beginning his coaching career in 2008, several months after he hung up his boots.

The 57-year-old enjoyed a decorated playing career, in which he won numerous titles with Cairo clubs Al Ahly and Zamalek. At international level, he won three Cup of Nations titles with Egypt and spearheaded their attack at the 1990 World Cup.

He is Egypt’s all-time leading scorer with 68 goals, 14 ahead of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.

When the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana clash on Wednesday in Bouake in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations, one of the major football rivalries in the continent will be revived.

As Nigeria and South Africa get at each other’s jugular it will be a frenetic Africa Cup of Nations semi-final attrition. The Super Eagles are aiming at getting their fourth title after last winning 11 years ago in South Africa just as Bafana Bafana crave for a second, the 24^th anniversary of their solitary win being about this time.

Nigeria won the African title in 1980, 1994 and 2013, while South Africa won when they hosted in 1996. Wednesday’s clash is the first of a trilogy that fate had instituted for both sides as they are also in the same World Cup qualifying pool and thus have two others clashes.

Fixtures of both have always been tension soaked, although the pendulum more than often swings in Nigeria’s favour. In 14 past clashes, Nigeria won seven and lost only twice to South Africa. The first loss being a friendly match to celebrate the legendary Nelson Mandela in November 2004 and the second being in Uyo

when the Super Eagles fielded a half-strength side in their 2-0 home loss in 2017 but still came top in the qualifying series for the 2019 edition.

It is a rarity for Nigeria end an Africa Cup of Nations finals empty –handed as they had been to the semifinals in 15 of their previous 19 outings. This is just the first time South Africa are getting to that stage in 24 years and overall, this year is just the fourth time they are getting to the semi-finals.

• Both Nigeria and South Africa are continental economic rivals. The rivalry is now more pronounced on the football field.

• This will be the 15^thclash of both teams at Grade A level but the third in the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations having met in 2000, 2004 and 2019.

• Both teams will field goalkeepers from the Premier Soccer League of South Africa. Rowen Williams the South African goalkeeper features for Mamelodi Sundowns while Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali guards the goalpost for Chippa United.

• Wednesday’s encounter marks South Africa’s 49^th match in the Africa Cup of Nations since making debut on home soil in 1996.

• Nigeria and South Africa are meeting in the Africa Cup of Nations for the fourth They first met in 2000 in Lagos and later in Monastir, Tunisia and Egypt in 2019.  Nigeria won 2-0, 4-0 and 2-1 respectively.

• A Nigeria- South Africa encounter produced the 1,00^thgoal of the Africa Cup of Nations when Austin Okocha from the penalty spot scored the second in Nigeria’s 4-0 triumph.

• South Africa-owned MTN is one of the sponsors of the Super Eagles

• South Africa progressively declined in performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, winning in 1996, runners-up in 1998, third-place in 2000, quarter finals in 2002, group stage in 2004 where they were ranked 11^thamong 16 team; and group stage again in 2006, raking 16^th among 16 teams.

• Nigeria’s former international, Ayodele Makinwa was a scoring debutant in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to South Africa at the 2004 Nelson Mandela Challenge match.

• South Africa’s 2-1 win over Nigeria in 2004 was the country’s first ever. It was followed up with another 2-0 win in Uyo. The two matches made South Africa’s former Scot coach, Stuart Baxter, the only one to have led South Africa to beat Nigeria.

• This is South Africa’s first semi-final match in 24 years.

• Wednesday’s match will be the 15^thclash of both Nigeria and South Africa. These include their clash in the 2014 Africa Cup of Nations Championship (CHAN). Nigeria won seven times as against two victories by South Africa. The remaining five were drawn.

Nigeria and South Africa are set to face off in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with the match poised to be a showdown of historic proportions. Ahead of this highly anticipated encounter, here are the key facts and figures:

1. Head-to-Head History: This marks the fourth meeting between Nigeria and South Africa at the AFCON, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious in all three previous encounters, outscoring the Bafana Bafana 8-1.
2. Previous Semi-Final Encounter: Nigeria and South Africa last clashed in the AFCON semi-finals in 2000, with the Super Eagles securing a 2-0 win courtesy of a brace from Tijani Babangida.
3. Semi-Final Records: Nigeria holds the record for the most appearances in AFCON semi-finals, making their 15th appearance in this stage. However, they have only progressed from one of their last six semi-final matches, winning the tournament in 2013.
4. Defensive Dominance: Nigeria enters the semi-final with an impressive defensive record, having kept clean sheets in their last four AFCON games. They aim to achieve five consecutive clean sheets for the first time since March 1982.
5. South Africa’s Semi-Final Journey: South Africa is appearing in their fourth AFCON semi-final and their first since 2000, where they were previously eliminated by Nigeria.
6. Solid Defensive Streak: South Africa boasts a remarkable defensive run, having kept four consecutive clean sheets in the tournament, a feat they had not achieved in their previous 21 AFCON matches combined.
7. Goal Scoring Dynamics: Nigeria has relied on a select few goal scorers in AFCON 2023, with only three different players finding the back of the net. This marks their lowest tally since 2008.
8. Attacking Prowess of South Africa: South Africa has showcased their attacking intent, recording six shots following high turnovers, the second-highest in the tournament. They have also displayed a penchant for direct attacks, ranking among the top teams in this regard.
9. Osimhen’s Goal Drought: Despite leading the charts for most shots attempted, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has struggled to convert chances, with only one goal to his name. He faces the challenge of overcoming his underperformance in front of goal.
10. Nigeria’s Offensive Prowess: Nigeria boasts the highest expected goals tally and the most big chances created in AFCON 2023, highlighting their attacking prowess and efficiency in the final third.
11. Key Player Impact: South Africa’s Themba Zwane has been instrumental, contributing to 50% of his team’s goals in AFCON 2023. He aims to emulate Shaun Bartlett’s feat by becoming the first Bafana Bafana player since 2000 to score three goals in a single edition of the tournament.

The Nigeria High Commission has issued an advisory to Nigerians in South Africa, telling them to be cautious before, during, and after the AFCON semi-final between both countries

Although the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will occur thousands of miles away in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire, there are concerns that the result may affect Nigerians residing in South Africa.

In this light, the Nigeria High Commission in South Africa raised an alarm over threats to Nigerians in the Rainbow Nation.

Keen on their safety and well-being, the Commission has issued an advisory to Nigerians, warning them to be cautious before, during, and after Wednesday’s semi-final game.

Advisory to Nigerians in South Africa

The release issued by the High Commission in Pretoria states:

“The attention of the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians, largely influenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday, 7 February 2024.

“Most of the comments consist of veiled threats against “Nigerians cooking jollof rice” before the match and “showing pepper to Nigerians if Bafana Bafana loses to the Super Eagles,” among others.

“In this regard, the High Commission hereby advises the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match, especially in public places, and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous, or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match.

“Additionally, Nigerians should maintain the good conduct they are known for and be law-abiding before, during, and after the match. Should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities.”

Dark past

Over the last two decades, there have been many documented incidents of violence and discrimination targeting foreigners, especially Nigerians living in South Africa.

In 2008, at least 60 Nigerians were reportedly killed and thousands displaced during widespread xenophobic attacks.

Similar outbreaks occurred in 2015 and 2019, which also led to the loss of lives and properties and the displacement of many Nigerians.