Cape Verde vs South Africa: Nigeria’s Assistant Coach Gives Verdict on Which Team He Prefers

• Nigeria's assistant manager, Finidi George, has opened up on potential semifinal opponents
• He gave a diplomatic response when asked to choose between Cape Verde and South Africa
• Finidi's Nigeria will face the winner of Cape Verde and South Africa on Wednesday, Feb 7

Finidi George, assistant to Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro, has shared insights into the potential opponents, Cape Verde and South Africa, as Nigeria gears up for the semi-final clash at the ongoing 2023 AFCON.

Nigeria secured their place in the last four of Africa's premier football competition by defeating Angola in the quarterfinals, courtesy of an Ademola Lookman goal.

According to CAFOnline, Lookman's third goal of the tournament in the first half propelled the West African giants to a record 15th semi-final appearance as they pursued a fourth African title.

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Now awaiting them in the semi-final is the winner between Cape Verde and South Africa, both of whom have emerged as giant killers in the tournament.

Cape Verde surprised by topping Group B ahead of Egypt and Ghana, while South Africa rebounded from an initial 2-0 defeat against Mali to secure impressive victories, including a 2-0 win against Morocco in the round of 16.

When queried about the preferred opponent for Nigeria in the semi-final, the 52-year-old opted for a diplomatic response, choosing to remain discreet about any specific preference between Cape Verde and South Africa.

"Let them play first," the former Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis star told Sports Brief.

He added: "We've done our own. Let them play"

Finidi speaks on Osimhen injury

Meanwhile, a significant post-game worry emerged as Victor Osimhen was carried off the pitch and subsequently substituted for Paul Onuachu after a few minutes.

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In an exclusive interview with Sports Brief, Finidi provided insights into Osimhen's potential injury status leading up to the upcoming semi-final clash.

"I do not know; these are the questions for the medical team, but I think from what I have seen, it is not too bad, but I am not the doctor," he said.

Super Eagles pip Angola to reach AFCON semis

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that, maintaining their impressive performance, the Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a spot in the last four of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Angola in the quarterfinals.

Ademola Lookman's first-half goal proved decisive, securing a well-deserved 1-0 victory against the Palancas Negras at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny.

Nigeria is the first team to advance to the semi-final stage and will await the winners of the quarterfinal matchup between Cape Verde and South Africa.