Top 3 animals Nigeria's Super Eagles faced on the road to AFCON final

Africa’s most populous nation Nigeria has faced a safari of Africa’s most fearsome beasts on the journey and quest for glory at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Pulse Sports Nigeria takes you through the list of the top three the Super Eagles have come against ahead of one final round of battle at the AFCON 2023. 

First up on this list are the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire, who are set for another battle against the Eagles at the AFCON 2023. 

The ivory tuskers posed an early threat, especially after the Super Eagles dropped two points against Equatorial Guinea in the first game of the tournament. 

But Nigeria showed the wisdom of elephants is no match for the impressive range (pace, bravery, and grace) of Eagles following a 1-0 win to reignite their AFCON hopes, with William Troost-Ekong the hero.

Next to fall were the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, one of Africa’s most successful nations at AFCON with five wins. 

The Kings of the Jungle roared into action, baring their claws and fangs in a keenly anticipated round of 16 clash. 

But the Super Eagles soared above the treetops out of reach, defeating the lions in their den, thanks to a brace from Ademola Lookman.

In the quarterfinals, the Black Sable Antelopes of Angola awaited, what turned out to be one of Nigeria’s sternest tests.

The Sable Antelope, which symbolises beauty, grace and keen visual sharpness, showed against the Eagles why it is a national icon in Angolan.

These agile ungulates darted across the plains, but Nigeria once again showed superiority in the air to escape the antelopes' horns and their sharpness.

Now only the Elephants stand between the Super Eagles, who also faced the African Wild Dogs, and AFCON glory. The Super Eagles will face a rematch against the largest mammal in the final of the 34th AFCON on Sunday night. 

Nigeria has proven its Eagles can conquer all creatures in their habitat and with their talons sharpened and eyes fixed on the prize, Jose Peseiro's Eagles aim to triumph again and lift the main prize for the fourth time ever.