Twenty-four years later, Nigeria and South Africa will have a repeat of the 2000 AFCON Semi-Final match.
Two quick goals from Tijani Babangida gave Nigeria a 2-0 win over South Africa at the 2000 AFCON semi-final match played at National Stadium in Surulere, Nigeria.
Nigeria co-hosted the AFCON 2000 with neighbors Ghana, a first in Africa.
Fast forward to 2024, The Super Eagles will battle South Africa for a spot in the 2023 AFCON final.
To reach the semi-final, South Africa beat Cape Verde 2-1 via penalties after regulation time ended 0-0.
The Super Eagles beat Angola one nil to book a semi-final showdown.
Furthermore, Nigeria shares the same 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with South Africa.
Nwabali’s Wish Comes True
Before confirming Nigeria’s opponent for the semi-final, Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali wished for a tie against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
“Both Cape Verde and South Africa are good teams, but I want to play against South Africa,” Nwabali told the media. “I really wish to see how my defense will fare against them. Yes, most of their players know me and I also know them.”
Nigeria and South Africa AFCON Head To head
Both countries have met seven times at the African Nations Cup, with the first in 2000 and last in 2019.
The Super Eagles have never lost to South Africa, winning three games and drawing four.
The Semi-Final game will be held in Bouake on Wednesday, February 6th at 6 pm.