AFCON 2023 Final: Bukayo Saka Congratulates Nigeria After Win Over South Africa

• Bukayo Saka applauded Nigeria for qualifying for the AFCON final
• Nigeria beat South Africa via post-match penalties on February 7
• His parents are Nigerians who moved to England before his birth

Bukayo Saka showed his support and love for Nigeria after they dramatically qualified for the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles beat South Africa in a tense penalty shoot-out after the game had ended in a one-all draw.

Victor Osimhen won a penalty in the 66th minute, which captain William Troost-Ekong duly converted. The game then had a little bit of drama after Osimehn thought he had won the contest for Nigeria by poking the ball home from close range.

However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed after it emerged that Percy Tau had been fouled by Alhassan Yusuf in the Nigerian penalty area before the goal. The goal was chalked off, and Bafana Bafana were given a penalty, which Teboho Mokoena scored.

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In the shoot-outs, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder saw his penalty saved by Stanley Nwabali. Nwabali also thwarted Evidence Makgopa's effort to send Nigeria to their first final since 2013. They'll play hosts Ivory Coast on Sunday

Is Bukayo Saka Nigerian?

Saka took to his Instagram stories, which showed he had been following the game. The Arsenal star was born to Yoruba parents who migrated to England just before he was born. He represented England at youth levels before making his senior debut in 2020.

He has in the past visited Nigeria to connect with his roots, where he went to Kwara State to see his grandparents. The 22-year-old was on target on February 4 to help Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are third on the Premier League table with 49 points, two shy of the Reds at the top.

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Nigerian players celebrate Stanley Nwabali

Sports Brief has also reported that Nigerian players ecstatically celebrated with Stanley Nwabali after his penalty heroics against South Africa.

The Chippa United goalkeeper made two saves from Mokoena and Makgopa to help the Super Eagles qualify for the AFCON final.

After the final whistle, Nigeria players quickly rushed to Nwabali, who lay prostrate on the turf celebrating.