The stakes are higher than ever as Nigeria and South Africa prepare to clash in the semi-final of the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
With a spot in the final on the line, both teams are gearing up for a monumental showdown on the pitch.
Let’s explore the confirmed line-ups and key players as these football powerhouses vie for glory in this prestigious tournament.
Nigeria’s Confirmed Line-up (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper (23): Stanley Nwabali
- Defenders: Ola Aina (2), William Troost-Ekong (5), Semi Ajayi (6), Calvin Bassey (21)
- Midfielders: Bright Osayi-Samuel (12), Frank Onyeka (8), Alex Iwobi (17)
- Forwards: Moses Simon (15), Victor Osimhen (9), Ademola Lookman (18)
Substitute Players for Nigeria:
- Chidozie Awaziem (20)
- Zakhele Lepasa (17)
- Kenneth Omeruo (22)
- Mihlali Mayambela (21)
- Alhassan Yusuf (4)
- Thabang Monare (15)
- Joe Aribo (10)
- Jayden Adams (8)
- Samuel Chukwueze (11)
- Oswin Appollis (7)
- S. Onyemaechi (13)
- Thapelo Morena (23)
- Francis Uzoho (1)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (19)
- Terem Moffi (24)
- Terrence Mashego (3)
- Paul Onuachu (19)
- Nyiko Mobbie (2)
- Kelechi Iheanacho (14)
- Ricardo Goss (22)
- Ahmed Musa (7)
- Veli Mothwa (16)
- Raphael Onyedika (25)
South Africa’s Confirmed Line-up (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper (1): Ronwen Williams
- Defenders: Sphephelo Sithole (13), Siyanda Xulu (5), Teboho Mokoena (4), Aubrey Modiba (6)
- Midfielders: Mothobi Mvala (14), Grant Kekana (18), Khuliso Johnson Mudau (20)
- Forwards: Percy Tau (10), Evidence Makgopa (9), Themba Zwane (11)
Substitute Players for South Africa:
- Chidozie Awaziem (20)
- Zakhele Lepasa (17)
- Kenneth Omeruo (22)
- Mihlali Mayambela (21)
- Alhassan Yusuf (4)
- Thabang Monare (15)
- Joe Aribo (10)
- Jayden Adams (8)
- Samuel Chukwueze (11)
- Oswin Appollis (7)
- S. Onyemaechi (13)
- Thapelo Morena (23)
- Francis Uzoho (1)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (19)
- Terem Moffi (24)
- Terrence Mashego (3)
- Paul Onuachu (19)
- Nyiko Mobbie (2)
- Kelechi Iheanacho (14)
- Ricardo Goss (22)
- Ahmed Musa (7)
- Veli Mothwa (16)
- Raphael Onyedika (25)
Coaches:
- Nigeria: Jose Peseiro
- South Africa: Hugo Broos
