‘We’re in the Final’: Osimhen Reacts After Nigeria’s AFCON Victory Over South Africa

• Victor Osimhen has hailed Nigeria after reaching the AFCON final
• The Super Eagles defeated South Africa on penalties in the semis
• The West African giants will take on hosts, Ivory Coast, in the final

Victor Osimhen has reacted to Nigeria’s progression to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final for the first time in over a decade, after the Super Eagles defeated South Africa on Wednesday night.

The Napoli striker thought he had sealed the win after netting in the 88th minute to make it 2-0, but his goal was disallowed after a VAR review and South Africa received a penalty instead.

The game eventually came down to penalties, with goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, saving two spot kicks from Bafana Bafana as the Super Eagles progressed 4-2, much to the delight of Osimhen.

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"We are in the final. I’m proud of this team. Thank you, Nigerians, who supported us from the start even though we did not start well. I’m proud of you all. See you in the final," he stated.

The Super Eagles will meet hosts, Ivory Coast, in the final on Sunday, February 11, after the Elephants defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in the second semi-final.

South Africa congratulates Super Eagles

Meanwhile, South Africa has congratulated the Super Eagles following their victory over Bafana Bafana in an AFCON 2023 semi-final on February 7, in Boauke, Daily Post reports.

Nigeria progressed to their first final at the tournament since 2013 after they beat their Southern African rivals 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

South Africa saw their dream for a first AFCON title in 24 years ended by the Super Eagles and will instead battle for the bronze medal with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Stanley Nwabali is Nigeria’s hero

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, emerged as Nigeria’s hero, making two crucial saves from the four spot kicks he faced in the semi-final.

The shootout concluded with a 4-2 victory for Nigeria, securing their place in the final of the AFCON for the first time since their triumph in South Africa back in 2013.

In the other semi-final, the host nation - Ivory Coast - secured a one-goal victory over surprise packages, DR Congo, as their hope of a miracle tournanent survived.