Sports
South African Players Talk Tough Ahead Of 2023 AFCON Clash With Nigeria
South African players have stressed that they are up to the task of facing the star-studded Super Eagles of Nigeria in the semi-final stage of the 2023 AFCON.
From the group stage, especially after losing 2-0 in their opening group stage game against Mali, the South African side wasn’t taken as a team that will reach the 2023 AFCON last four.
The fact that they knocked out 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco in the round of 16 made the Bafana Bafana a team to watch out for.
However, their abysmal performance against Cape Verde in the quarter-final stage which ended 0-0 in 120 minutes of football and ended in the favour of Bafana Bafana after a penalty shootout, placed a bit of doubt on South Africa’s AFCON title credentials.
Unfortunately, they will go against the Super Eagles of Nigeria who are yet to taste defeat in the tournament after four wins and one draw and have also conceded just a goal in five games.
Ahead of the Semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa, Bafana Bafana star, Terrence Mashego admitted that the game would be tough for his team.
“It’s going to be a difficult game. You know, Nigeria, they have a good squad, but also on our side, we have a good squad, so it’s going to be a very good game,” Mashego told reporters in the mixed zone.
He continued: “We also have a good defense; now we’ve gone three games without conceding, so we have a very good defense; we are ready for any battle.
“We don’t want to pressurize ourselves; we just have to take one game at a time, and maybe we might find ourselves in the final.”
South Africa central defender, Grant Kekana added, “Obviously it’s another tough opponent. We know Nigeria has a lot of quality players, we know they’ve done well to also get this far but we believe in ourselves.
“We are going to go to the drawing board, plan accordingly, and give ourselves a chance of getting a positive result against them.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria vs Bafana Bafana of South 2023 AFCON semi-final clash will kick off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7.
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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