Victory on penalties against South Africa in the most dramatic of circumstances sent Nigeria through to their eighth AFCON Final.
They meet hosts Ivory Coasts in the final, with the Super Eagles gunning for AFCON title number four. It’s the second time the two nations will meet in this tournament, with Nigeria winning 1-0 in the group stage.
We caught up with Super Eagles legend and Bet9ja Ambassador Victor Ikpeba to get his views on Sunday’s match and Nigeria’s chances.
Semi-final great advert for African football
I wasn’t surprised that the semi-final against South Africa went to penalties, it was a match that could have gone either way. So I wasn’t surprised with that outcome, or the fact the Super Eagles made it to their eighth AFCON final.
It was a great advert for African football and great drama with Victor Osimhen’s goal getting ruled out for a penalty that occurred in the same move. It definitely looked like a penalty kick so VAR got it spot on and they have been brilliant in this tournament.
Credit to the manager
I am very happy that my country have made it to the final, especially due to the fact our form heading into this tournament was very poor. Credit to José Peseiro who has come to the party. Going to five at the back has really helped and they only way Nigeria were going to get this far was to be solid at the back.
Everyone was very critical of the manager and he was very close to being sacked after disappointing draws with Lesotho and Zimbabwe. But he has proved himself in this tournament and has now got the Nigerian fans on side.
Even though Victor Osimhen hasn’t scored many – just one so far – in this tournament, he has still been the outstanding for us. We are seeing a different side of his game in this tournament but he has still been very important for us. What’s been crucial for Nigeria is that everyone is playing as a team, which is essential in African football.
Don’t take Ivory Coast lightly
It will be a different Ivory Coast team to the one we played in the group stage. Ivory Coast are full of confidence now and it’s no fluke that they got to this stage, despite only getting three points in the group stage.
In the group game, there wasn’t much in the game. So it’s going to be very tight on Sunday. Ivory Coast won’t have anything to lose after getting this far despite a poor start. The Nigeria defence will have to cope with Sebastien Haller and the fans will push this Ivory Coast team to the limit, which makes them a very dangerous side. The Super Eagles will have to step up and it’s going to be a question of who wants it more.
Let’s do it again!
But Nigeria have been in the winning habit which is very important. We have a very proud Nigeria side and how will Ivory Coast deal with Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman and Osimhen. It’s going to be a cracker because no one saw these two teams getting to the final but the Super Eagles will know they have to be at their best to win.
Anything can happen in the final, who wants it more, a bit of luck and taking your chances. I’ve correctly predicted Nigeria to win 1-0 twice so far in this tournament, so I will be back the Super Eagles to win 1-0 again, with Osimhen to score the winner!
Ikpeba’s exclusive booking code: 66PK3RV
1 Comment
by Matawalli Bukar
I am quite sure that Nigeria will win this match but let the know who and to play that match not brought does who Causing penalties.