Nigeria vs South Africa Match Preview
Favourites Nigeria will face surprise package South Africa in the first semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday, February 7.
The Super Eagles enter this contest on the back of just one defeat in their last 10 games across competitions. That run included five wins and four draws. Nigeria are unbeaten at the AFCON so far, securing four wins and one draw. They have scored six goals in low-scoring encounters, but conceded just once. They have kept clean sheets in their last four games, defeating dark horses Angola 1-0 in the quarters to progress. They will look to continue in the same vein of form.
Bafana Bafana, on the other hand, are just slightly worse off, with two defeats in their last 10 games. The other games were four wins and four draws. Having lost their opening game 2-0 against Mali, South Africa came back and qualified for the knockouts as runners-up of Group E. They have since knocked out Morocco and Cape Verde, with the latter being decided 2-1 on penalties. Despite playing the long haul in their last game, South Africa will look to put their best foot forward in their next game.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news from both sides.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Nigeria
Manager Jose Peseiro has no injury concerns or suspensions to worry about as the Super Eagles have a clean slate ahead of their semi-final clash. He has stuck with mostly the same XI for the entirety of the tournament and is likely to do so in the next game as well.
However, star striker Victor Osimhen went off injured late in the team’s 1-0 win over Angola and was replaced by Paul Onuachu. The Napoli striker could face a late fitness test to determine his availability for the game. Chances are he will play even if not 100% fit.
Predicted XI: Stanley Nwabili (GK), Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong (C), Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Zaidu Sanusi, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen.
ALSO READ: January Transfer Window 2024 Review: Best signings, surprises and moves that may not work out.
South Africa
Bafana Bafana manager Hugo Broos too will have a clean slate in terms of injury concerns or suspensions ahead of their next game. Broos has stuck with the same lineup for most of the competition and will do the same against Nigeria.
Predicted XI: Ronwen Williams (C) (GK), Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modia, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Morena, Evidence Makgopa.
Nigeria vs South Africa Head-to-Head & Predicted Lineups
Last 5 Games H2H (All Comps
- Nigeria 2-1 South Africa (07/19)
- South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (11/18)
- Nigeria 0-2 South Africa (06/17)
- South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (03/15
- Nigeria 2-2 South Africa (11/14)
As you can see, the head-to-head between Nigeria and South Africa is perfectly balance across their last five meetings. Both teams have won one game apiece, sharing three draws.
An interesting thing to note is both teams have scored in all but one of their last five meetings. That trend could come to an end with both teams playing solid defence and not conceding anything. However, Nigeria have the upper hand heading into this game.
Three-time AFCON winners Nigeria have more experience playing at this stage than one-time winners South Africa. They are also the favourites to win the competition since the start and should follow through.
Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 South Africa.
Betting Tips
- Match Result: Nigeria Win.
- Both Teams to Score: Yes.
- Anytime Goal Scorer: Ademola Lookman.
Odds
- Nigeria Win: 1.70
- Draw: 3.75
- South Africa Win: 5.75
Nigeria vs South Africa Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 7th at 5 PM (GMT)
- India: FanCode app & website.
- UK: Sky Sports.
- US: BeIN Sports.
- Nigeria: NTA.