Nigeria Challenges Ivory Coast In Africa Cup Of Nations Finals 2023, Here's Their Step

The captain of the Nigerian national team, William Troost-Ekong, was hugged by his colleague after scoring a penalty goal against South Africa in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals at Ivory Coast, Wednesday (7/2/2024). (Between/AFP/Issouf Sanogo)

JAKARTA - Nigerian national team coach Jose Peseiro said his team deserved to be in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Ivory Coast final after beating South Africa's resistance through a 4-2 penalty shootout drama.

The penalty shootout between the two teams was held considering that both teams drew 1-1 until extra time in the semifinals at the de la Paix Stadium, Ivory Coast, Thursday WIB.

"The players deserve to be in the final, this is a very good win against a good team," the Portuguese coach said, launching from CAF on Thursday.

In that match, Nigeria almost sealed the win at normal times when William Troost-Ekong's (67') goal was seen to be the only goal in the game before the drama came when Victor Osimhen's last-minute goal was canceled by Video Assistants Referee (VAR) and instead resulted in a penalty for South Africa which was not wasted by Tebeho Mokoena (90').

In the penalty shootout, Ola Aina was the only Nigerian executioner to fail. However, the Super Eagles came out victorious after goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a brilliant save by detaining two South African kickers, Teboho Mokoena and Environment Makgopa.

The team's performance was very good throughout this tournament. I really appreciate the management and coaches," added Nwabali.

After leading his team to the final, Peseiro did not forget to pay tribute to South Africa's appearance in the semifinals which he said performed very well.

"I said earlier that South Africa had the best organization because they played together and created more problems for us. It was very difficult to beat them," he said.

With this victory, Nigeria will face host Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Alassane Outtara Stadium on Monday (12/2) at 03.00 WIB, while South Africa will play a match for third place against RD Congo at the Felix Houpouet-Boigny Stadium one day earlier, Sunday (11/2) at 03.00 WIB.