AFCON 2023: South African Forward Opens Up on Dream of Defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals are on the horizon
• South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are poised to face off against Nigeria
• A South African forward has opened up on his dream of defeating the Super Eagles

The build-up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals continues to herald the continent’s footballing landscape.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are poised to lock horns with their longstanding rivals South Africa. The clash at the Stade de Bouake, which would decide one-half of the tournament’s finalists, has seen many pundits and players largely tip the Super Eagles as favourites to win the clash.

The historical head-to-head between the two teams underscores Nigeria's dominance over their South African counterparts. In their last 14 encounters, Nigeria has won seven, drawn five, and lost only two, according to data courtesy of Sofascore.

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Nevertheless, ahead of the crucial semi-final showdown, a Bafana Bafana forward has expressed his dream of defeating Nigeria.

South African forward on defeating Nigeria

In a chat with South African football expert, Lorenz Kohler, forward Mihlali Mayambela, opened up on his dream to win defeating perennial adversary Nigeria.

"It will mean everything; already being here means everything. Imagine going to the final; it will mean a lot to my family and me.”

The Aris Limassol of Cyprus forward continued, expressing his confidence:

"God has blessed me abundantly, and I firmly believe in our capability to achieve greatness for ourselves and our nation. This match holds immense importance."

South Africa seeks their first victory against Nigeria since their two-nil win over the Super Eagles in June 2017.

Hugo Broos's side are also banking on history to smile upon them this time around. In their previous encounter in a semi-final at the AFCON, Nigeria emerged victorious with a resounding two-nil win in the 2000 edition of the showpiece.

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Nigerian forward downplays Williams' brilliance

In another report, a Sports Brief highlighted comments from a forward of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Samuel Chukwueze, emphasising his belief that goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams' penalty-saving heroics have been primarily down to luck.

The 24-year-old forward stressed that Nigeria are not intimidated by the shot-stopper, who has kept four clean sheets in the tournament so far. The AC Milan star also stated Nigeria's goal of securing victory within the regulation 90 minutes.