‘ AFCON final will be easy for Nigeria ‘ – Former Super Eagles goalkeeper predicts

Caretaker February 10, 2024

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Nigerian Players Shine as Super Eagles Secure Final Berth in AFCON 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 Nigerian players' performances as assessed by Soccernet.ng: Christian 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. 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. 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. Semi Ajayi (6.8/10): The West Bromwich Albion defender proved formidable in aerial battles and provided valuable support in attack when needed. Calvin Bassey (6.9/10): The Fulham defender exhibited strength and resilience, winning all of his duels and ensuring defensive stability. Ola Aina (6.8/10): 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. Frank Onyeka (7/10): The Brentford midfielder contributed tirelessly in midfield, disrupting South Africa's play with well-timed tackles and interceptions. 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. Ademola Lookman (6.2/10): The Atalanta forward missed a golden opportunity but remained a threat, creating chances and attracting attention from the opposition. Moses Simon (5/10): The Nantes winger faced difficulties beating his marker and was dispossessed frequently before being replaced by Samuel Chukwueze. Victor Osimhen (7/10): 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.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Idah Peterside is confident that the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final will be easy for Nigeria .

Nigeria has maintained an unbeaten streak at the 2023 AFCON, and are determined to secure their fourth continental trophy in the final showdown against Cote d’Ivoire at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

This encounter marks the second meeting between the two former champions at the tournament, following the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over the Elephants in their Group A clash, courtesy of a William Troost-Ekong penalty on matchday two.

Since then, Nigeria has put in remarkable performances, securing victories against Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, Angola, and South Africa.

The semifinal clash against South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, saw Nigeria triumph in a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Nwabali making crucial saves.

Observing Cote d’Ivoire’s struggles against Mali and DR Congo in the quarterfinal and semifinal respectively, Peterside anticipates Nigeria’s dominance in the title decider.

“We all knew this (South Africa) was going to be our toughest game,” Peterside said on Channels Television. “The game against Ivory Coast will be easier than this because we have beaten them already in our group game.”

He continued, “They (Ivory Coast) only survived by sheer luck to get here. I watched the game against Congo yesterday. They are not as good as we are. They just wobbled and fumbled into the final, and they will be under pressure. The final game will be so easy; I say it again, and we will win easily.”

Nigeria boasts the best defensive record at the AFCON, having kept four clean sheets in six games.