Despite going through a lot of challenges in 120 minutes, the Super Eagles of Nigeria finally reached the final of the AFCON cup after 11 years of patience.
Nigeria were outmatched by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the first semi-final played on Wednesday night at the Bouke stadium, as they were forced to draw one goal within 90 minutes.
Captain Troost Ekong put Nigeria in the lead in the 65th minute through a penalty, before Teboho Mokoena equalized for Bafana in the 90th minute. Both teams drew again in 30 minutes of extra time, forcing the winner to be determined through a penalty shootout. Nigeria scored four penalties and lost one while South Africa scored only two penalties.
The Super Eagles will return to Abidjan on Sunday, February 11, competing for the fourth cup and the first since 2013.