AFCON 2023: 3 Key Areas That Will Define Nigeria vs South Africa's Semi Final Clash

• South Africa will take on Nigeria in the semi-final of the 2023 AFCON
• The Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana meet at AFCON for a fourth time
• The game will be decided in many areas of the pitch such as defence

South Africa and Nigeria's AFCON semi-final clash will be more than a football match. The rivalry between these two nations will be in full swing on social media when the game kicks off.

They have met just three times at the tournament, and most of the meetings have been in the crucial stages of the competition, but the stakes could not be higher tonight (February 7).

The Super Eagles have won the three previous meetings by an aggregate score of 8-1. Therefore, Bafana Bafana will seek to avenge one of those painful defeats.

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Nigeria have won the tournament three times, but their last win came in 2013. Their victories happened after a long drought (1980, 1994).

Bafana Bafana lifted the trophy on home soil in 1996. They reached the final in 1998 but lost to Egypt. In the 2000 edition, Nigeria eliminated them in the semi-final, per GOAL.

Both sides have done well so far in Ivory Coast, but who will have the upper hand in the semi-final? Here are some of the key battles to keep an eye on.

South Africa vs Nigeria: 3 key battles

Osimhen, Lookman vs South Africa defence

African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have played significant roles in their two knockout games in Ivory Coast. Lookman bagged a brace against Cameroon in the Round of 16, then scored the only goal in the quarter-final against Angola.

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Osimhen played a part in all of Lookman's three goals. Against South Africa, things will be different. Bafana Bafana's back four, led by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and centre-backs Mothobi Mvala and Grant Kekana, have held their own after losing to Mali in their opening game.

Since conceding twice against the Eagles, they have kept four straight clean sheets, including against favourites Morocco.

Nigeria have scored more than one goal just once in the competition. If South Africa can stop Lookman and Osimhen, they will be halfway to the final.

Osimhen has been a dangerous player when he drags defenders from their position. Nigeria's goal against Angola resulted from Osimhen dragging defenders away from their positions, allowing Lookman to score.

The battle of wits in that area of the pitch will be intriguing to watch.

Mokoena, Sithole vs Iwobi, Onyeka

One of South Africa's best players at the tournament is Teboho Mokoena. He almost singlehandedly slowed down Morocco's midfield and scored a spectacular free-kick to seal the win. Sphephelo Sithole has been a great sidekick for Mokoena.

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Alex Iwobi's performances for Nigeria have gone under the radar in Ivory Coast. He has been the creative outlet for the team, and South Africa will have their hands full on Wednesday against the Fulham man.

Frank Onyeka has also quietly stopped dangerous attacks from the opposition. He will likely come up against playmaker Themba Zwane.

Both sides have been pragmatic, and Iwobi and Mokoena's passing range will be vital in starting attacks from deep.

South Africa's attack vs Nigeria's defence

Evidence Makgopa has linked up play well for Bafana Bafana and was a thorn in Morocco's defence. His physicality and size will be a problem for William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's defence has done incredibly well. They have conceded one goal, so Makgopa, Zwane, Percy Tau and Thapelo Morena will need to rise to the occasion.

Another defender who has produced consistent displays is Calvin Bassey. The centre-back has been deployed mainly at left-back, and he's been solid.

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Tau, Zwane, Makgopa, and Morena have all played a part in all of South Africa's six goals in the tournament, per Opta Analyst.

Can Nigeria's defence keep them quiet?

Osimhen's injury status ahead of AFCON semi

Sports Brief also previously reported that Osimhen was a serious doubt for Nigeria due to reported abdominal discomfort, leading to the star missing the trip to Bouake.

The Super Eagles are looking to reach their first AFCON final since 2013 and will need their striker fit if they are to reach the final of the continental competition once again.