As one of only two pre-tournament favorites left standing in the absolutely chaotic 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria will be hoping to push for a return to glory when they face South Africa in the semi-finals in Bouaké.
Since winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, ending a 19-year drought, the Super Eagles have reached this semi-final stage just once, finishing third in 2019. It has been an unceremonious fall from grace, struggling to inspire talent for the future. results on the field and at the same time fall short on the continental and global stages.
However, now, back in the AFCON semi-finals and with the draw opening up as other favorites drop like flies around them, Nigeria now has a golden opportunity to win a trophy that would set the stage for a settlement again among the nations. elite of African football.
South Africa, however, can relish the opportunity to pull off the ultimate upset in a tournament loaded with shocking results. Bafana Bafana recorded an impressive quarter-final victory over Cape Verde, who looked ripe for a surprising deep run, and before that eliminated Tunisia and Morocco, two tournament favourites.
USA: Click here to see the latest odds for Nigeria vs South Africa and bet on AFCON matches
Nigeria vs South Africa prediction, odds
- Lean Money Line: Nigeria (-170)
- Score prediction: Nigeria 2-0 South Africa
The Super Eagles came into this tournament with bleak prospects at best in the AFCON, but managed to overcome all obstacles and emerge in the semi-finals having shown impressive courage at multiple stages.
Meanwhile, South Africa has weathered countless storms, surviving three consecutive attacks from Tunisia, Morocco and Cape Verde and, in the end, conceding just one goal. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has made a strong case for the tournament’s Golden Glove, but the truth is that his opponents have also faltered throughout.
So which Nigerian team will feature? The pre-tournament Super Eagles were exactly the kind of poisonless team that would fall to this South African team, but in the AFCON they have taken advantage of opportunities at a much greater rate. As it stands, they should manage what others have failed to do against South Africa and achieve another brave result.
| DraftKings (USA) |
|
| Nigeria wins | -170 |
| Draw | +255 |
| South Africa wins | +650 |
| Both teams to note Y/N |
+150 / -190 |
| Below 2.5 goals |
+165 / -210 |
| Nigeria to advance |
-350 |
| South Africa to advance |
+265 |
