The stage is set for an intense battle as the Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face off against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi-final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
South Africa secured their spot in the semi-final after defeating Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties, while Nigeria booked their place by overcoming Angola with a 1-0 victory.
Anticipation is high for what promises to be a thrilling encounter, as clashes between Nigeria and South Africa have historically been intense affairs.
The two sides have met 15 times in competitive football since 1992, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious in eight of those encounters, while the Bafana Bafana have secured two wins. Five matches between them have ended in draws.
The most recent showdown between the two nations was in the quarter-finals of the 2019 AFCON, where the Super Eagles triumphed with a 2-1 victory.
However, their journey to this semi-final clash hasn’t been without its challenges, as South Africa managed to hold Nigeria to a 1-1 draw during the AFCON qualification matches.
In the first leg of the AFCON qualification in 2018, South Africa stunned the Super Eagles with a 2-1 victory on Nigerian soil, showcasing the unpredictability of encounters between these two footballing giants.
