As the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday in Bouake qualified for the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), after defeating South Africa in a pulsating semi-final clash, they now face the destiny of battling the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire in the final duel.
The reason is that they also beat Congo 1-0 in the second semi-final game on Wednesday night.
The Super Eagles will thus practically play against two teams: The Elephants, then the home crowd.
They would need a lot of added psychological tonic to tame both.
Nigeria beat hard-fighting South Africa in an area the latter felt they had supremacy: penalty shootout.
The match played at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake started on a fast pace, with the South Africans dominating play but were pegged back by the resilient Nigerian defence, Marshalled by Captain William Troost-Ekong.
The cagey first half ended goalless, in spite the forays by both teams.
But in the second half, Nigeria took the lead after Victor Osimhen was fouled inside the 18 yard box.
Ekong stepped up to put the Eagles one goal up.
However, late in the game, substitute Alhassan Yusuf gave away a penalty, which Teboho Mokoena tucked away.
The match was eventually decided on penalties, with Nigeria winning 4-2 after a nervy shoot-out.
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty as Nigeria booked their place in the final, sparking wild celebration in the stadium.
For Ivory Coast, Sebastien Haller was the hero with the only goal.
Starting for the first time at the tournament following injury, Borussia Dortmund striker Haller connected with a Max-Alain Gradel cross in the 65th minute at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, his shot looping over the goalkeeper and in.
That was enough to settle a tense but open semi-final showdown, and the Ivorians will now face Nigeria at the same venue on Sunday to decide who takes the title.
The two-time champions are the first host country to reach the final of the Cup of Nations since Egypt in 2006, and the turnaround is absolutely remarkable for a team that was on the brink of elimination in the group stage.
