President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for reaching the final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast following a 4-2 penalty win over South Africa on Wednesday.
In a pulsating encounter at the Stade de la Paix, Bouke, William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria in the lead from the penalty spot midway through the second half after rampaging striker Victor Osimhen was brought down inside the box, before South Africa earned a spot-kick of their own in the final minute of the 90th minute after Egyptian referee, Amin Omar, disallowed Osimhen’s goal following a VAR review, and instead awarded a penalty to South Africa after replays showed midfielder Alhassan Yusuf had fouled Percy Tau.
Teboho Mokoena converted from the spot in the 90th minute to send the game into a goalless period of extra time where Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana was sent off late one.
Having lost five of their previous six semi-finals at the continental finals, the Eagles survived some nervous moments to book a place in Sunday’s final with a 4-2 win after Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties.
Reacting to the Eagles’ victory, Tinubu, on his official X handle, congratulated the team while encouraging them to win the final.
“From the Southernmost cape of Africa to the Plains of Mauritania and the coast of West Africa… You have made us all proud to be Nigerians! Go… Soar in the AFCON final. Well done, boys!” he tweeted.
Labour Party presidential candidate at the last election, Peter Obi, also took to his handle to hail the team following their impressive outing.
“Today (Wednesday) was yet another victorious outing for Nigeria as our National team, the Super Eagles displayed great fighting spirit, beating the Bafana Bafana of South Africa to take Nigeria to the finals in the ongoing AFCON games,” Obi wrote.
Also reacting to the win, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said, “We did it!!!!
“So proud of our Super Eagles for finding that extra tenacity to push through. From Nwabali with the in-match and penalty heroics to Ekong to Osimhen for taking the initiative to help us score in the match and to the silent hero, coach José Peseiro, everyone dug deep to give us this one.
Off to the finals and by God’s grace the Cup. For now, we’re playing @asakemusik’s Amapiano for the rest of the week.”
Dr. Peter Mbah, Enugu State Governor, equally took to social media to praise the team.
“Hearty congratulations Super Eagles on your qualification for the final of AFCON 2023,” he wrote.
“That was a breathtaking encounter, but you were undoubtedly super in mentality and display.
“Thank you for making us super proud and best wishes in the final of the competition. Our prayers are with you.
“Congratulations, Nigeria.”
Minister for Sports, Senator John Enoh, added, “My dear Super Eagles, today you have given every Nigerian Compatriot a reason to rejoice. We all doff our hats to you. You have shown us all that the Nigerian spirit is a winning spirit. You are conquering the continent one match at a time. Bravo, heroes of our time!
“You have set your goals high and you have not stopped. Keep soaring and bring home the Africa Cup of Nations. Unto the Finals.”
