AFCON 2023: Ex Chelsea Star Ola Aina Reacts After Missing Penalty in Nigeria’s Win Over South Africa

• Ola Aina has commented on his penalty loss in Nigeria's win over South Africa
• The ex-Chelsea star was the only Super Eagles player who missed from the spot
• Aina's comment stirred different reactions from Nigerians on social media

Nigeria international, Ola Aina, has reacted after missing a penalty in the Super Eagles' semi-final win over South Africa in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The three-time African champions are through to the final of the 34th edition of the biggest football event in Africa after defeating Bafana Bafana in the last four knockout stages.

Nigeria took the lead through William Troost-Ekong, who was the captain for the night, but a late penalty goal from Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena took the game to extra time.

Both teams couldn't win the game in the extra-time, and penalty shoot-outs determined the match-winner.

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Stanley Nwabili saved two penalties to give the Super Eagles the deserved 4-2 win over Bafana Bafana.

Nigeria scored all but one of their penalties, with Aina being the only player who missed for the Super Eagles.

In a video shared on social media, the former Chelsea fullback admitted that his teammates saved him.

"These boys saved me today," he said.

Aina's comment stirred reactions from Nigerians on social media platform X.

@oEbuka said:

"He knew he was finished if we lost 😂😂😂"

@oc_onu59 said:

"Aina relax. If you no run us that high blood pressure the Victory for no sweet like this. Keep doing what you're doing. Just leave penalty ministry for now edakun 🙏"

@toyin81 said:

"It’s a normal thing that happens in football! The best of the best also lose penalty. Penalty is a 50/50 thing. Glad we got the win."

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@chuxochieze said:

"Well, if we had lost, it'd only be foolish to troll Aina or any member of the team. These guys are playing their heart out on this tournament to give us some semblance of joy here at home. I for one will not indulge in such act. Go on boys!"

@Smiley_OTIA said:

"Even big shots miss penalties...his performance all round has been great that's why God saved him..

Saka congratulates Nigeria after win over Bafana

Sports Brief earlier reported that Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka showed his support for Nigeria after their win over South Africa in the AFCON 2023 semi-final.

The England international took to his Instagram stories, which showed he had been following the game.