Nigeria, with its attacking leader Victor Osimhen, will face South Africa to try to qualify for the eighth final in its history. Bafana Bafana are counting on their collective to beat the odds.
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From our special correspondent in Bouaké,
The force of habit versus the strength of a collective. The Nigeria-South Africa semi-final on Wednesday February 7 will feature a team accustomed to the last four at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké (5 p.m. UT) facing another which has not been invited there for 24 years. A sixteenth semi-final in 20 appearances, that’s the insane statistic for Nigeria. This commands respect and shows the immense challenge that awaitsSouth Africa.
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But if we ignore the past, the battle of Bouaké will oppose two teams who have made their defense the key to their journey in this CAN. “ Look at the teams that are still competinganalyzes Emerse Faé, coach of Ivory Coast. Take Nigeria for example : we feel, since their match against us, that they have defensive solidity and a very united team, which defends together and which attacks together. This solidarity, with individual qualities, the block, their team spirit, allowed them to reach the semi-finals “.
Osimhen restored on time
THE Nigeria only conceded one goal in their first group match against Equatorial Guinea (1-1). Since then, José Peseiro’s men have been uncompromising in defense and found the net in each of their matches. Bafana Bafana are less effective in attack, have only scored in two matches (Namibia 4-0, Morocco 2-0) but have kept a clean sheet since their first match against Mali (0-2).
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On Wednesday, Bafana Bafana know that they are not leaving with the favor of the forecasts, but intend to greatly increase their chances. “ We were not expected at this level of competition, believes Hugo Broos, the coach of the South Africans. But we succeeded. We are going to play against one of the best teams in the tournament and it will be the same situation as in the match against Morocco. We will play without pressure. We are not afraid. We have confidence. We know that Nigeria has a good attack and good players. »
Precisely, the Super Eagles were afraid of being deprived of their attacking leader Victor Osimhen, injured in the abdomen and deprived of training on Monday. But the next day, the news was reassuring: the Naples striker trained normally and he “ is fit to play the semi-final against South Africa », According to a tweet from the Super Eagles.