AFCON 2023: Nigerian Olympic Gold Medalist Offers Advice to Super Eagles Ahead of South Africa Clash

AFCON 2023: Nigerian Olympic Gold Medalist Offers Advice to Super Eagles Ahead of South Africa Clash

Ero Samson
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
In this article:
CAF Africa Cup of Nations logo
CAF AFCON
Africa
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
South Africa logo
South Africa
South Africa
27
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
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Angola
Angola
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  • The semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations are poised to thrill football fans
  • Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face off against a giant-killing Bafana Bafana side
  • An Olympic gold medalist has offered advice to the Super Eagles ahead of the tie

The final rounds of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are upon us, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles are poised to lock horns with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

The clash slated for the Stade de la Paix de Bouake will see both teams renew their hostilities, which dates back to the 1990s.

AFCON, Nigeria, Super Eagles, South Africa, Tijani Babangida
Nigeria's Super Eagles players celebrate after scoring during the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against Angola. Image: MB Media.
Source: Getty Images

However, as conversations surrounding the clash continue to herald the continent’s footballing scene, an Olympic gold medalist has offered sage advice to the Super Eagles on how to approach the crucial fixture against the South Africans.

Olympic medalist on Nigeria vs South Africa clash

During a discussion with media outlet Channels Television, former Nigerian forward and 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Tijani Babangida, offered advice to Jose Peseiro’s team on how best to approach their imminent showdown with Bafana Bafana.

The former Ajax star emphasised the importance of self-belief and determination, urging the Super Eagles to replicate the confidence and resilience they displayed in their victory over Angola.

"Listen, guys, even before the tournament began, the nation's confidence in you were shaky at first. But you have built that confidence within yourselves.
Now you have already set your sights on winning the Cup, and nothing should deter you," Babangida asserted.
"Remember how you approached the last match against Angola? It was your unwavering confidence and disciplined play that led to victory. Apply the same principles against South Africa, and you'll come out on top."

Babangida's wise words strike a chord with key figures within the Super Eagles camp, echoing the sentiments of those who have witnessed the team's resurgence in confidence following the initial setback against Equatorial Guinea's Nzalang Nacional.

Peseiro speaks on Osimhen’s injury

In another report, Sports Brief stated that the coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Peseiro, has provided an update on the availability of forward Victor Osimhen.

The participation of the marquee forward in the upcoming clash against South Africa has been uncertain due to reports of his abdominal issues.

However, the 63-year-old coach addressed the availability of the forward during his pre-match press conference.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).