AFCON 2023: Nigeria to reward Super Eagles for commitment in reaching final
The Super Eagles’ great devotion and perseverance in making it to the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final has earned them rewards from the Federal Government.
After their hard-fought victory over South Africa in the semi-finals on Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this to the players and their officials in the changing room.
Alongside FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, oil tycoon Wale Tinubu, Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Minister for Youth Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, and Shettima expressed pride in their achievements, as did the Nigerian government.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 in penalties, displaying incredible tenacity and perseverance.in the 2023 AFCON semifinals in order to advance to the championship game, where they will take on the host country, Ivory Coast.
Victor Osimhen was hauled down in the 18-yard area, and captain William Troost-Ekong scored from the penalty spot to give Nigeria the lead in the 67th minute of play.
Teboho Mokoena then tied the score at one through a penalty kick in the ninetieth minute, following a foul on Percy Tau by Alhassan Yusuf, who had replaced Alex Iwobi on the sixty-third minute.
After a thorough inspection by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the main referee also looked at the monitor before awarding the penalty to the Bafana Bafana.
The game had gone into overtime when, in the 115th minute of playTerem Moffi, who took Osimhen’s place in extra time, went through on goal but was hauled down by Grant Kekana, who was also given a red card.
Despite having a player advantage, the Super Eagles were unable to score the game-winning goal; instead, the game went into a penalty shootout, in which Moffi, Kenneth Omeruo, and Troost-Ekong all converted their spot penalties.
Goalie Stanley Nwabali saved both of South Africa’s spot kick attempts, and even though Ola Aina missed his own, Kelechi Iheanacho scored for the Super Eagles to win 4-2 and advance to the AFCON 2023 final
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