AFCON 2023: Tinubu celebrates Super Eagles for knocking out South Africa to clinch final spot

To get to the African Cup of Nations finals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties.

At the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast, African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was hauled down in the box by Mothobi Mvala (South Africa), and the Super Eagles were awarded a penalty.

In the 67th minute, Captain William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria a 1-0 lead after driving a penalty kick low into the net, deceiving goalie Ronwen Williams.

When Osimhen caught a pass inside the penalty area and fired a flawless low shot that went inside the left post, Nigeria believed they had a 2-0 lead.

However, a VAR review decision determined that a foul in the build-up play prevented Nigeria from scoring. South Africa was penalized and the ruling was reversed.

Teboho Mokoena of South Africa scored a penalty kick that went past Stanley Nwabili and into the bottom left corner to give Bafana Bafana a 1-1 lead.

Both teams had excellent chances in the game, which went into extra time, and Nigeria would defeat South Africa on penalties.

After the game, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Tinubu praised the team for their efforts.

On social media, he said, "From the Southernmost cape of Africa to the Plains of Mauritania and the coast of West Africa….

"You have made us all Proud to be Nigerians Go… Soar in the AFCON Finals. Well done, boys!"

The Super Eagles now wait for the result of the other semifinal between DR Congo and the Elephants of Ivory Coast.