Nigeria secured their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations final with a heart-stopping penalty shootout victory over South Africa in a tense semi-final clash at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
The highly anticipated encounter lived up to its defensive billing, with both teams showcasing their solid defensive setups throughout the 120 minutes of regulation and extra time. Nigeria, boasting the tournament’s stingiest defense having conceded just one goal, faced a resilient South African side that had kept four consecutive clean sheets.
Despite their struggles in front of goal, the Super Eagles managed to break the deadlock in the 67th minute with a well-taken penalty by William Troost-Ekong. However, South Africa refused to capitulate, drawing level in the dying moments through Percy Mokoena’s VAR-assisted penalty.
With extra time failing to produce a winner, the game headed to a tension-filled penalty shootout. Nigeria held their nerve, converting four of their five spot-kicks, with Kelechi Iheanacho sealing the victory with the decisive penalty, igniting jubilant celebrations on the pitch and in the stands.
Nigeria’s triumph sets the stage for a thrilling final showdown against either hosts Côte d’Ivoire or DR Congo.