AFCON 2023: Combined Best Eleven of Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana Players

• Nigeria and South Africa will renew their rivalry at the AFCON
• The Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana will meet in the semi-finals
• Nigeria won the previous three AFCON meetings against South Africa

Nigeria will play South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as the two nations rekindle their rivalry in Africa’s biggest football competition on Wednesday, February 7.

The Super Eagles, unlike Bafana Bafana, have remained unbeaten in their five matches played so far in the competition, winning four after their opening-day draw against Equatorial Guinea.

South Africa, on the other hand, has been impressive since losing 2-0 to Mali in their opening game, defeating teams like Morocco and Cape Verde to seal a semi-final spot for the first time in 24 years.

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According to CAF Online, this will be the fourth encounter between the Super Eagles South Africa at AFCON, with Nigeria winning the previous three by an aggregate score of 8-1.

Here, Sports Brief compiles the best eleven players to make a team from the two AFCON semi-finalists ahead of their crucial semi-final clash at the 40,000-capacity Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

Nigeria and Bafana Bafana Best XI

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria)

Defenders

Ola Aina (Nigeria)

Mothobi Mvala (South Africa)

William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria)

Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena (South Africa)

Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)

Forwards

Themba Zwane (South Africa)

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Zaidu doubtful for Super Eagles

Meanwhile, Nigeria defender Zaidu Sanusi could miss the Super Eagles’ 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash with Bafana Bafana due to injury, Complete Sports reports.

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The 26-year-old did not train with his Nigerian teammates in Bouake on Tuesday night as they finalized preparations for the highly anticipated last-four encounter at Stade de la Paix.

Zaidu has made five appearances for the Super Eagles at the ongoing AFCON but has battled with injuries.

Aina confident of AFCON victory

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Super Eagles defender Ola Aina is confident in Nigeria’s ability to secure a crucial victory against the South Africans.

The Nigerian defender noted that the three-time AFCON winners are ready for the challenge against Bafana Bafana as both teams get ready to lock horns on Wednesday night.