SUPER EAGLES in AFCON Finals
The 2023 AFCON holding in Cote d’Ivoire kicked off on January 13 and it has been giving everything it should be giving. Drama, upset, skills, heartbreak, banters, and many more. Believe me, if you have not been watching the AFCON matches, you have missed a whole lot. There's only one way to say it. You have MISSED.
Permit me to briefly summarize the tournament thus far. The majority of the nations that were predicted to win this competition have already lost. Such as Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt. It's funny to note that several of these teams failed to advance past the group stage. For example, Algeria finished AFCON 23 with just 2 points. Unbelievable, huh? DR Congo eliminated Egypt from the competition.
As I stated already, this AFCON has been giving all it should be giving. How do I explain the last-minute victory of Cote d’Ivoire over Mali to you? In fact, most fans have given up on the squad following a red card in the game's 43rd minute. Despite being behind by a goal, they managed to tie the match in the last minutes thanks to an Adingra goal in the ninetieth minute. Did you know that Diakite's goal in 120+2 minutes sealed Cote d'Ivoire's victory? A case of 1% luck and 99% grace.
Moving on to our very own Super Eagles. The team has been nothing less than superb throughout this competition. We are not called the giant of Africa for nothing. Yesterday. 7th February, We secured our place in the Finals through the brilliant effort of Nwabali and other brilliant players.
You didn’t watch the match? Ah! You missed but not to worry. I will give you a brief summary.
The semi-final was a showdown between two sides who went into the match having kept four consecutive clean sheets at AFCON. In fact, there was little in the way of clear-cut chances before the half-time. Thanks to Victor Oshimen whose brilliance led to a foul that gave birth to a penalty kick for the Eagles. Captain Troost-Ekong stepped up, to face Ronwen Williams who saved four penalties in the South Africa’s quarter-final shootout win over Cape Verde. However, he was no match for Troost-Ekong’s spot-kick that crept underneath him and into the back of the net.
All was well in paradise until VAR awarded a penalty for a foul committed on Percy Tau. The goal by Victor Osimhen which was meant to seal the game was chopped off and Mokoena equalized from the spot kick. 1-1 at 90 minutes.
The game went on to a penalty shootout as either side could not find the net during the extra time. The Super Eagles defeated the Bafana Bafana with two brilliant penalty saves from Nwabali. The penalty shootout ended 4-2 in favor of the Super Eagles.
n other news, Cote d’Ivory that qualified as the best loser of their group secured a 1-0 victory over DR Congo to also secure their place in the finals. Hence a final showdown between the Super Eagles and Cote d’Ivory will be on Sunday 11th of February 2024.
Which country will win the AFCON 2023?
For those who would like to watch the Nigerian team in person during the Finals, we have organized a tour package to Cote d'Ivoire. The package includes a return flight ticket, an AFCON final ticket, opulent lodging, a tour of the city of Abidjan, and a ton of other delightful activities.
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