Nigeria vs South Africa: 3 Bafana Players Super Eagles Must Be Wary of Ahead of AFCON Semifinal Game

• The commencement of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals is on the horizon
• Nigeria’s Super Eagles are poised to face off against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana
• Sports Brief highlights three South African players the Super Eagles must be wary of

The much-anticipated clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and South Africa's Bafana Bafana ignites the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The rivalry, which dates back to the 1990s, features the two former Cup of Nations winners who have been underwhelming in recent years, face off for a spot at the AFCON final at the Stade Alassane Outtara.

The Super Eagles have historically asserted dominance in encounters with Bafana Bafana, claiming victory in seven, drawing five, and losing only two of their last 14 meetings.

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However, recent matchups have proven to be closely contested, adding an air of unpredictability to this high-stakes semi-final.

Despite Nigeria's historical superiority, South Africa has demonstrated resilience, notably with a memorable two-nil triumph in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers in Uyo. The Super Eagles, however, had their revenge by eliminating Bafana Bafana in the quarterfinals of the same tournament.

This Wednesday's clash not only serves as a pivotal moment in the AFCON but also sets the stage for a future showdown as both teams are slated to face off in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, intensifying the significance of their rivalry.

In anticipation of this crucial semi-final, Sports Brief sheds light on three South African players who pose a significant threat, emphasising the need for the Super Eagles to exercise caution in their quest for victory.

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Bafana Bafana players to watch

Percy Tau

The reigning Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) inter-club player of the year is definitely one Bafana Bafana star to keep an eye on in the encounter.

Though the 29-year-old may not have reached the anticipated heights in the tournament and even faced the setback of missing a penalty in South Africa's loss to Mali, it's crucial to recognise that the Al Ahly forward is not to be underestimated.

This former Brighton star possesses an uncanny ability to weave through defences, effortlessly breaching opponents' defensive formations—a facet of his game that consistently shines amidst his myriad of other qualities.

Tau's combination of speed and a keen eye for goal is poised to pose a considerable challenge for the Super Eagles. If exploited effectively, it could translate into a formidable offensive force, potentially leading to multiple goals for Hugo Broos' side.

Themba Zwane

The 34-year-old veteran midfielder is another integral part of the recent success recorded in South African football.

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The Mamelodi Sundowns star has significantly contributed to Bafana Bafana's journey to the AFCON semi-finals. With two goals and an assist in his five appearances, Zwane has demonstrated his proficiency as a goal-scoring option despite not necessarily occupying the closest position to the goal.

Beyond his goal-scoring capabilities, the midfield maestro possesses an innate ability to dictate the flow of the game. His combination of vision, precise passing, and technical prowess is poised to be instrumental for Bafana Bafana in their encounter against the Super Eagles.

Rowen Williams

The 32-year-old shot-stopper is currently the delight of South African football.

As the last line of defence, this shot-stopping maestro has consistently proven himself reliable, with his prowess shining brightly in the recent clash against Cape Verde.

Williams adds an extra layer of security with his remarkable penalty-stopping abilities. In the showdown against the Blue Sharks, the Bafana Bafana shot-stopper thwarted four out of the five penalties he faced, showcasing his exceptional skill in crucial moments.

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The former Super Sports United goalkeeper is undoubtedly set to play a pivotal role in guiding Bafana Bafana toward securing a coveted spot in the final on the upcoming night.

Mikel Obi predicts AFCON finalist

In another report, Sports Brief reported that former Nigeria midfielder, Mikel Obi, predicted his finalist for the AFCON in the Ivory Coast.

The 37-year-old predicted a final showdown between Nigeria and the host nation, Ivory Coast. Mikel noted the renewed vigour of Les Elephants and suggested that they could overcome DR Congo in the semi-final to secure their spot in the championship match.