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Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has been reportedly cleared by the team’s medical doctor for the clash against South Africa.
Recall Osimhen missed the Super Eagles trip to Bouake – the venue of the semi-final clash with South Africa – after suffering abdominal discomfort.
It was said that the Napoli striker will be examined on Tuesday morning, and if cleared, will join the rest of the squad who have arrived safely in Bouake.
According to sources in Abidjan, Osimhen is on his way to Bouake after being declared fit by the medical team.
The 25-year-old has started in all of Super Eagles’ five matches in Cote d’Ivoire, scoring one goal and chalking up one assist.
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Egyptian official Amin Mohamed Omar as the referee for Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final encounter between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
The match, which will commence at 5 pm Cote d’Ivoire time (6 pm in Nigeria), will see Omar’s compatriots, Mahmoud Kamel Abouelregal and Ahmed Hossam Ibrahim, playing the roles of assistant referee 1 and assistant referee 2, respectively, while Sudanese Mahmood Ali Ismail will serve as the fourth official.
Attia Essa Amsaaed from Libya will be the reserve assistant referee, with Yacoub Ali Elmi from Djibouti as commissioner and Aboubacar Doumbouya from Guinea as the referee assessor.
Three-time champions Nigeria and 1996 champions South Africa will face off in their second-ever Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash at the Stade de la Paix. Their only previous meeting at the same stage, at the National Stadium in Lagos when Nigeria co-hosted the 2000 finals with Ghana, ended 2-0 in favour of Nigeria.
Wednesday’s clash is being billed as the more potentially explosive of the two semi-finals (hosts Cote d’Ivoire are up against the Democratic Republic of Congo), given the pedigree, rivalry, and ambition of the two teams.
South Africa has only beaten Nigeria twice in 14 previous meetings at full senior level, though Nigeria edged an African Nations Championship clash by beating the hosts 3-1 in Cape Town in 2014.
The Eagles are presently ranked 42nd in the world by FIFA (6th in Africa), while the Bafana Bafana are 66th in the world (12th in Africa).
Four years ago, both teams met at the quarter-final stage, with the Super Eagles edging the encounter at the Cairo International Stadium 2-1, the goals coming from Samuel Chukwueze and William Ekong. Both players are in the present squad and likely to be part of Wednesday’s battle.
[Leadership]
AFCON 2023: Nigerian High Commission warns South Africa-based citizens ahead of semi-final clash
AdminTHE Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has purportedly warned Super Eagles fans to stay safe following threats of xenophobia regarding the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final fixture against Bafana Bafana.
There is a history of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa and the upcoming match has caused some tension, with some South Africans threatening to pounce again.
An advisory note circulating online with the Nigerian High Commission letterhead has told Nigerians to mind how they celebrate if the Super Eagles win tomorrow’s encounter in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire.
“The attention of the Nigeria High Commission Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians living in host country, largely influenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday 7th February 2024,” the statement reads in part.
“Most of the comments consist of veiled threats against “Nigerians cooking jollof rice” before the match, and “showing pepper to Nigerians if Bafana Bafana lose to the Super Eagles”, among others.
“In this regard, the High Commission hereby advises the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match especially in public places, and refrain from engaging in loud. riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match.
“Additionally, Nigerians should maintain the good conduct they are known for, and be law abiding before, during and after the match. Should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities.”
Nigerians have been engaging in online banter with Ghanaians, Cameroonians and Angolans since AFCON 2023 began over three weeks ago, and this is the first time there have been threats of physical violence from any set of fans.
[NaijaTImes]
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, is likely to miss the semi-final clash against South Africa.
Nigeria will take on South Africa by 6pm on Wednesday in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement late Monday, Babafemi Raji, media officer of the Nigerian team, said the striker is suffering from abdominal discomfort.
He disclosed that Osimhen did not travel with the team to Bouaké, the city hosting the semi-final clash.
Osimhen toasts ‘statement’ win for Nigeria
“Members of the team traveled from Abidjan to Bouaké today via a 10 pm Air Cote D’Ivoire flight. Osimhen did not however make the trip as a result of an abdominal discomfort. Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch with a member of the medical team staying behind in Abidjan with him. If cleared by tomorrow morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5 pm,” the statement read.
Many Nigerians were really looking forward to Osimhen in action when Nigeria take on the rival nation.
While ruing the loss of five Nigerian stars to a South African at the Grammy Awards, music star Teni, had specifically mentioned Osimhen among those whom she wanted to seek revenge in the match.
Daily Trust had reported how Nigerian quintet; Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Davido, Asake and Olamide were snubbed at the 66th Grammys on Sunday.
Tyla, the only non-Nigerian nominee in the maiden Best African Music Performance category, was given the award.
Reacting in a video shared via Instagram, Teni pleaded with the Super Eagles players to avenge the Grammy loss of their compatriots by defeating South Africa in the semifinal clash in Cote D’Ivoire.
]“Grammy there’s a problem. We have many parties. You have killed our groove. South Africa, Tyla’s ‘Water.’ Alright. Osimhen, over to you. Lookman, over to you. South Africa, you will dance Amapiano after your AFCON defeat. You killed my groove. Grammy why?,” she said in a mixture of Yoruba and English.
[DailyTrust]
Following the Super Eagles’ progression to the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, The PUNCH reports that the team has earned a prize money of $2.5m (N3bn).
Nigeria reached the semi-finals of the 34th edition of the AFCON after defeating Angola 1-0 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Friday.
As one of the remaining four teams in the competition, the Eagles, alongside South Africa, their semi-final opponents; DR Congo and hosts Ivory Coast, have already secured $2.5m.
Before the start of the tournament, Confederation of Africa Football president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, announced a 40 per cent increase in prize monies.
The runners-up of the African showpiece event will now get $4m, while each of the two semi-finalists will receive $2.5m, with each of the four quarter-finalists taking home $1.3m.
“CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the prize money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions,” he said.
“We have increased the prize money of the AFCON winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON prize money.
“I am confident that a portion of the prize money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our Member Associations with their administrations,” he added.
If Nigeria advanced to the final, they would have secured a minimum of $4m (N5bn) in prize money.
Additionally, if they win the tournament, they will receive $7m (N8.8bn).
Meanwhile, the Eagles arrived in Ivory Coast’s second-largest city, Bouake, on Tuesday (today) ahead of their semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday.
Jose Peseiro’s men have played all their matches in the tournament in Abidjan. Their first two games were at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, where they drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea before pipping hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 in their second game.
Their last group game against Guinea Bissau which they also won 1-0 was at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium while they also slay the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 2-0 as well as the Antelopes of Angola 1-0 at the same venue.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation, the team will have one training session in Bouake on Tuesday afternoon, having had two sessions in Abidjan on Sunday and Monday.
Historically, when Ivory Coast hosted the AFCON in 1984, Nigeria also played their semi-final match in the city of Bouake against Egypt – which they won 8-7 on penalties after regulation and extra time ended 2-2. Nigeria, however, lost the final 3-1 against Cameroon.
The winners of the Nigeria vs South Africa game face the winners between hosts Ivory Coast and DR Congo, who also faceoff in Yamoussoukro same
day.
[ThePunch]
Neil Tovey and Mark Williams, key figures when South Africa won their lone Africa Cup of Nations title, believe defeating 2024 semi-final opponents Nigeria will be “tough”.
Bafana Bafana (The Boys) and the Super Eagles meet in the central Ivory Coast city of Bouake on Wednesday with a place in the February 11 final on the line.
Nigeria are favourites for several reasons, including a perfect past record against South Africa in the competition with three victories.
The West Africans won a 2000 semi-final in Nigeria 2-0, a 2004 group match in Tunisia 4-0 and a 2019 quarter-final in Egypt 2-1 through a late goal from current captain William Troost-Ekong.
But South Africa, whose starting line-up includes nine locals, one player based in Egypt and another with a Portuguese second-division club, are not without hope, insist Tovey and Williams.
Central defender Tovey captained the 1996 title-winning team and forward Williams came off the bench to score twice within two minutes and sink Tunisia 2-0 in the final in Johannesburg.
Victory for Bafana came one year after the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup and South Africans basked in the sporting successes two years after the collapse of apartheid.
“It is going to be very tough against Nigeria – a final before the final,” Tovey told AFP in a telephone interview from the South African port city of Durban.
“We have suffered many defeats against them, starting with a four-goal mauling in a 1994 World Cup qualifier. More recently, however, the tide has begun to turn.
– Riddled with upsets –
“What we dare not do in Bouake is retreat into a defensive shell. That would be playing into the hands of the Nigerians.
“South Africa must approach the match in a similar manner to the game against Morocco – defend in depth when necessary but also apply pressure.”
In a tournament riddled with upsets, one of the biggest was South Africa winning 2-0 against 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in a last-16 encounter.
Tovey says he is impressed with South Africa, who have reached the Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time since the loss to co-hosts Nigeria 24 years ago.
“They are not trying to be clever – they are well organised and perform the basics well. Every player understands his role.
“Take the crucial final group match against Tunisia, which could have eliminated Bafana had they lost. It ended 0-0, but I was impressed with our game management.”
Johannesburg-based Williams told AFP he was struck by the team spirit of South Africa, who have not conceded in four matches since losing their opener 2-0 to Mali.
“Having eight Mamelodi Sundowns players in the starting lineup helps a lot. You can see the players know each other very well.
“When you have a mix of local and foreign-based players there can be initial misunderstandings. Also, (Egypt-based) Percy Tau is a former Sundowns star.
“Make no mistake, it is not going to be easy against Nigeria. They have always had extremely skillful players and the likes of (Victor) Osimhen and (Ademola) Lookman are continuing the tradition.
“But our boys, although not as well known, are also skillful. Mentality is key – we have to walk onto the pitch believing we are going to win.”
Both Tovey and Williams say the Ivory Coast will overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo in the later semi-final on Wednesday in Abidjan.
AFP
The Super Eagles have earned a prize money of $2.5m (N3bn), after qualifying for the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 last Friday to reach the last four and will now play South Africa for a place in Sunday’s final.
Jose Peseiro’s men along with South Africa, DR Congo and hosts Ivory Coast, have already secured $2.5m.
Before the tournament kicked off, the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF, president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, announced a 40% increase in prize monies.
If Nigeria advanced to the final, they would have secured a minimum of $4m (N5bn) in prize money.
Also, if they win the tournament, they will receive $7m (N8.8bn).
AFCON: Be Mindful Of Where You Watch Semi-Final Match, High Commission Warns Nigerians In South Africa
AdminNigerians in South Africa have been warned against wide celebration should Super Eagles defeat Bafana Bafana.
Nigeria will on Wednesday clash with South Africa for a place in the final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire.
In an advisory, the high commission said: “The attention of the Nigeria High Commission Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians living in host country, largely influenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday 7th February 2024.
“Most of the comments consist of veiled threats against ‘Nigerians cooking jollof rice’ before the match, and ‘showing pepper to Nigerians if the Bafana Bafana lose to Super Eagles’, among others.
“In this regard, the High Commission hereby advises the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match especially in public places, and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match.
“Additionally, Nigerians should maintain the good conduct they are known for, and be law abiding before, during and after the match. Should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities.”
Nigerian sprint icon, Tobi Amusan has set a new African women’s indoor 60-meter record of 7.75 seconds at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston.
The 27-year-old’s 7.75 seconds in Boston means she has retired the 7.77 mark she set in Kazakhstan at the Astana Indoor Meet in January.
Despite setting an African record, Amusan’s 7.75 effort was insufficient for first place in Boston, where she finished second to America’s Tia Jones in 7.72 seconds.
On January 27, in her first race of the new season, the Nigerian broke the 7.82seconds African record set by fellow Nigerian Gloria Alozi.
Amusan now has two of the fastest times ever run by an African woman in the 60m Hurdles and is on track to break the World Record of 7.68 seconds before the indoor season ends.
Amusan is ranked second on the world top list for the season behind Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas who ran 7.75 last week at the Corky Classics in Lubbock, Texas.
Amusan has also moved up to number 20 on the world all-time list and the reigning Commonwealth Games champion has now broken all three African records held by Alozie.
She first broke her predecessor’s African Games record of 12.74 set in 1999 when she ran 12.68 to win 10 years later (2019).
Amusan followed up by breaking Alozie’s 12.44 African record when she ran 12.42 seconds on her way to winning her first Diamond League title.
The sprint hurdler now owns the Nigeria, Nigerian Championships, African, African Games, African indoor, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and world records.
Media
7.72 ‼️@tia_ajones wins the women's 60m hurdles with an incredible 7.72, beating Tobi Amusan who sets an African record of 7.75.#WorldIndoorTour pic.twitter.com/dEtktoFPsu
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) February 4, 2024
SOUTH Africa goalkeeper Ronwen William has shared the credit for his heroic performance last night with his teammates and the technical crew.
The Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper was the hero in the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cape Verde in Yamoussoukro last night, becoming the first goalkeeper to save four penalties during a shootout in the history of the tournament.
Williams’ saves helped Bafana Bafana defeat Cape Verde 2-1 in the shootout after full-time and extra-time ended 0-0.
The 32-year-old former SuperSport United goalkeeper was named Man of the Match for his heroics but he insisted the award belonged to the entire team.
“It was tough. They played their part and it was my time to play my part,” Williams said while receiving his prize.
“I am just glad that we are in the next round. This is not mine but it is for the collective.
“The staff, technical team and each player. This journey has been tough but we soldiered on as a team so I will accept this on behalf of each and every player in Bafana Bafana.”
Bafana Bafana take on the Super Eagles in the semi-finals on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
The last time South Africa reached the AFCON semi-finals was in 2000 and they also faced Nigeria, who won 2-0 in Lagos as co-hosts.
The Super Eagles also beat Bafana Bafana at the AFCON in 2019.
[EagleOnline]
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The Golden Glove at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will be contested between Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali and Ronwen Williams of South Africa.
Both Nwabali and Williams have kept clean sheets in their last four matches and will face each other in the semi-finals.
The only goal Nwabali conceded at the tournament, was in the Super Eagles opening 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.
Williams let in two goals for Bafana Bafana when they lost 2-0 to Mali in their first fixture.
Interestingly, both goalkeepers play in South Africa. Nwabali represents Chippa United while Williams turns out for Mamelodi Sundowns.
As it stands, both stoppers have four clean sheets, more than any other keeper has been able to secure in Ivory Coast.
Twenty-four (24) years after Tijani Babangida’s brace saw-off South Africa in their last Africa Cup of Nations semi-final appearance, both sides will meet again next Wednesday to decide one of the finalists for this year’s AFCON.
Babangida’s 1st and 34th-minute goals took care of business on that occasion in front of a packed stadium in Surulere, Lagos when Nigeria co-hosted with Ghana.
A brilliant penalty shoot-out performance by South Africa’s goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams helped South Africa fight off a dogged Cape Verde side while Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 on Friday to set up the semi-final.
Although both sides have met in subsequent AFCONs, it has not been at the penultimate stage. In all the meetings, Nigeria has triumphed.
In Tunisia 2004, Nigeria saw off Bafana Bafana 4-0 in the group stage, while their last AFCON meeting was in 2019 in the quarter-finals when Egypt hosted. Samuel Chukwueze and Troost-Ekong’s goals helped Nigeria to a 2-1 win.
The Golden Glove at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will be contested between Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali and Ronwen Williams of South Africa.
Both Nwabali and Williams have kept clean sheets in their last four matches and will face each other in the semi-finals.
The only goal Nwabali conceded at the tournament, was in the Super Eagles opening 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.
Williams let in two goals for Bafana Bafana when they lost 2-0 to Mali in their first fixture.
Interestingly, both goalkeepers play in South Africa. Nwabali represents Chippa United while Williams turns out for Mamelodi Sundowns.
As it stands, both stoppers have four clean sheets, more than any other keeper has been able to secure in Ivory Coast.
[DailyPost]
Angola coach, Pedro Goncalves, believes his team didn’t enjoy the kind of privileges the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been enjoying in the 2023 AFCON which was why his team lost to them.
Pedro Goncalves who has been in charge of the Angola national team since 2019 proved that he had a compact team at the 2023 AFCON by leading the lowly-rated side to record three wins and one draw before they met Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the tournament on Friday, February 2.
Despite looking more compact than the Super Eagles, the star-studded Nigerian side proved to be too good for them with a lone goal courtesy of a strike from Ademola Lookman.
The Super Eagles would have won the game 2-0 if Victor Osimhen’s powerful header in the second half wasn’t controversially counted as an off-side.
In his assessment of the game, the Portuguese tactician believes that the Super Eagles enjoyed the privilege of being in the same city, Abidjan, since the tournament started on January 13.
He also claimed that his players are not as exposed as Super Eagles players who are playing in some of the best leagues in the world.
“It is true that we played against a very strong opponent. But the Nigerian players were fresher than ours, and their physical display made them able to create more chances than us,” coach Pedro Goncalves said.
“Most of their players take part in very high-level competitions, and they have never gone out of Abidjan. But we’ve gone to three different cities in the course of this tournament, so this triggered fatigue for my players.
“Also, most of my players play in the home league, and some of them aren’t experienced playing in big competitions like the AFCON.”