AFCON 2023: Tinubu celebrates Super Eagles for knocking out South Africa to clinch final spot

AFCON 2023: Tinubu celebrates Super Eagles for knocking out South Africa to clinch final spot

Tosin Abayomi 22:35 - 07.02.2024

President Bola Tinubu hails the Super Eagles for beating South Africa to the AFCON 2023 final spot.

To get to the African Cup of Nations finals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties.

At the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast, African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was hauled down in the box by Mothobi Mvala (South Africa), and the Super Eagles were awarded a penalty.

In the 67th minute, Captain William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria a 1-0 lead after driving a penalty kick low into the net, deceiving goalie Ronwen Williams.

President Bola Tinubu hails the Super Eagles for beating South Africa to the AFCON 2023 final spot.
President Bola Tinubu hails the Super Eagles for beating South Africa to the AFCON 2023 final spot.

When Osimhen caught a pass inside the penalty area and fired a flawless low shot that went inside the left post, Nigeria believed they had a 2-0 lead.

However, a VAR review decision determined that a foul in the build-up play prevented Nigeria from scoring. South Africa was penalized and the ruling was reversed.

Teboho Mokoena of South Africa scored a penalty kick that went past Stanley Nwabili and into the bottom left corner to give Bafana Bafana a 1-1 lead.

President Bola Tinubu hails the Super Eagles for beating South Africa to the AFCON 2023 final spot.
President Bola Tinubu hails the Super Eagles for beating South Africa to the AFCON 2023 final spot.

Both teams had excellent chances in the game, which went into extra time, and Nigeria would defeat South Africa on penalties.

Tinubu hails Super Eagles

After the game, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Tinubu praised the team for their efforts.

President Bola Tinubu hails the Super Eagles for beating South Africa to the AFCON 2023 final spot.
President Bola Tinubu hails the Super Eagles for beating South Africa to the AFCON 2023 final spot.

On social media, he said, "From the Southernmost cape of Africa to the Plains of Mauritania and the coast of West Africa….

"You have made us all Proud to be Nigerians Go… Soar in the AFCON Finals. Well done, boys!"

The Super Eagles now wait for the result of the other semifinal between DR Congo and the Elephants of Ivory Coast.

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