Sports
2023 AFCON: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Survive South Africa As They Hit Final
The Super Eagles of Nigeria survived a resilient South African side to scale through to the final of the 2023 AFCON after 120 minutes of intense football.
In the first half of the intense 2023 AFCON semi-final clash in Bouake, Ivory Coast, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa dominated the match and threatened the Nigerian defense throughout the first 45 minutes.
Despite the threats from Bafana Bafana, the first half ended 0-0 thanks to outstanding saves from Nigerian goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.
In the second half, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were more organized as they made efforts to score the opener as early as possible but they couldn’t take charge of the midfield.
It was not until the hour mark when coach Jose Peseiro made strategic changes by replacing Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi with Samuel Chukwueze and Alhassan Yusuf respectively, that the Eagles looked more threatening in attack.
The changes made an immediate impact as Chukwueze created a great chance for Victor Osimhen who was fouled in the penalty box. After a VAR review, the Eagles were awarded a penalty which Williams Troost-Ekong converted in the 67th minute.
Towards the end of the second half, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead minutes after Ademola Lookman missed a glorious opportunity to double the lead.
Unfortunately for Osimhen, the VAR canceled out the goal due to an infringement in Nigeria’s penalty box in the build-up to the goal. Hence, the referee awarded a penalty to South Africa which Teboho Mokoena converted in the 90th minute.
The late-minute goal forced the game into 30 minutes of extra time which still couldn’t produce a winner. Hence, the game was decided by a penalty shootout.
During the shootout, South Africans missed two of the kicks thanks to Stanley Nwabali’s brilliant goalkeeping. Nigeria’s Ola Aina missed his but Kelechi Iheaacho who was an extra-time substitute scored the winner to end the game 4-2 on penalties.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.
This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.
“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.
Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.
His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.
With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé, shared a rare glimpse of his personal life during an interview with Mouloud Achour on Clique.
The 25-year-old addressed serious allegations about an alleged rape incident in Stockholm but captured attention with his reflections on love and relationships.
When asked about expressing love, the Les Bleus forward shared: “Yes, to my mother, my father, my little brother. I try to give them this affection every day.”
On romantic love, Mbappé revealed to Le Parisien: “Yes, in the past, I have already been in love and I hope that I will be again. But currently, no.”
Watch him speak below:
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Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made a spectacular debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering an impressive performance in the women’s 200m event.
After a disappointing setback in the women’s 100m, Ofili showcased her resilience by clinching victory in her heat with a new season’s best time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday, August 4. The victory has qualified her for the 2024 Olympics 200m women’s semi-finals which will take place this evening.
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