Super Eagles XI vs South Africa at AFCON 2019 - Where are they now?

The Super Eagles of Nigeria battled South Africa in the quarterfinals of the 2019 edition of CAF’s premium competition, the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. 

Both countries are set to clash again in the competition, but this time the stakes are higher in the 34th edition hosted in Cote d’Ivoire. 

Five years on from that clash in Egypt, the starting eleven for Nigeria have experienced varying fortunes in their national and club careers.

Versatile playmaker, Alex Iwobi, who featured for 90 minutes in the 2-1 win against the Bafana Bafana, has moved from Arsenal to Everton and now plays for Fulham. 

But he remains a key player for the national team while goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has faded from the radar, with the shut-stopper now an AFCON 2023 pundit with SuperSport.

Star striker and AFCON 2019 top scorer, Odion Ighalo, now at Saudi Pro League side Al-Wehda, has hung his international boots, but defender, William Troost-Ekong, who netted the decisive late winner, continues to play a pivotal and prominent role. He is now at PAOk Thessaloniki in Greece.

The likes of Samuel Chukwueze and Wilfred Ndidi have seen their stocks rise after impressive club form, but only the winger, who now plays for AC Milan, is in Cote d’Ivoire with the Eagles as Ndidi, while still a key part of the team, is currently injured and out of action.

Former Chelsea defender, Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem remain members of the team and in Ivory Coast, but injuries have hampered left-back, Jamilu Collins, who is now out of national reckoning.

There is no place for powerhouse midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo whose career seems to have taken a nosedive. 

Finally, Ahmed Musa, who was on the pitch for 81 minutes in that explosive match, remains the captain of the Super Eagles under Jose Peseiro but has struggled to secure a starting berth.

As Nigeria gears up for a repeat of that clash in AFCON 2023, the class of 2019 inspires, but also a cautionary tale of how quickly things change in football.

 Both Nigeria and South Africa are eager to reach the final in Cote d’Ivoire and this timely piece provides an intriguing backdrop to this semifinal clash slated for Wednesday.