Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro has made one change to the starting lineup that defeated Angola in the quarter final of the Africa Cup of Nations ahead of today’s semi final game against South Africa , OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Peseiro’s side are within one win from matching the feat of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad of Nigeria, who went all the way to beat Burkina Faso 1-0 at the home of today’s opponent. That was the last time they won the trophy.

Ahead of today’s game, head coach Jose Peseiro has been forced into making one change to his starting lineup with regular left wing back in his preferred 3-4-3 formation Zaidu Sanusi not available due to injury, just as we exclusively reported earlier.

In his absence the coach will most likely deploy Ola Aina to play in that role with Bright Osayi-Samuel coming in at the right back slot as his replacement. That is the only change in the setup per what we exclusively gathered ahead of the 6pm Nigerian time kick off for the game.

Starting XI:

Stanley Nwabali
Ola Aina
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Semi Ajayi
William Troost-Ekong
Calvin Bassey
Alex Iwobi
Frank Onyeka
Ademola Lookman
Moses Simon
Victor Osimhen

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The chairman of South Africa top division side Chippa United Siviwe Chippa Mpengesi has sparked a whole lot of debate in South Africa leading to curses on his team for declaring that he is supporting the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their AFCON semi final game against South Africa, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nigeria will later today take on the Bafana Bafana for a spot in the final of the ongoing tournament in Ivory Coast and ahead of the game, a lot of emotions have been on of parade on the possible outcome of the game with the Super Eagles going into the game as favorites.

One man whose opinion hasn’t gone down well with South Africans is Mpengesi who openly declared his support for the Super Eagles, who have made the first choice goalkeeper of his club Stanley Nwabali their number one at the tournament. His preference hasn’t gone down well with football lovers in South Africa.

In a post on X formerly known as Twitter where he aired his support to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, a lot of South Africans rained insults on him and his team wishing them relegation at the end of the season, and they also lambasted his lack of patriotism owning to his selfish interest for Nwabali to do well for him to command a sizeable transfer fee.

Below is the statement by the Chippa United chairman that has sparked an uproar in South Africa.

I would like to start by extending my congratulations to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for showcasing the highest number of domestic players at the 2023 AFCON tournament. Close to 30 players from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, and even the host country, Ivory Coast who play in the PSL league were part of the AFCON 2023 tournament all thanks to PSL League Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza.

Acknowledgment is also given to Coach Hugo Broos, who boldly trusted our domestic players, unlike previous Bafana Bafana national team coaches who preferred to select players who played abroad as bench warmers instead, to represent our National Team. My commendation also go out to Mamelodi Sundowns FC and their technical staff for their outstanding contribution, highlighted by the inclusion of 8 players in the Bafana Bafana starting lineup.

Furthermore, my heartfelt applause is due to the CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe for orchestrating what is arguably the finest AFCON tourmament of the century, showcasing the continent’s football prowess and uniting us in the spirit of the game. It’s a moment of pride and reflection on our journey and growth in African football.

As the Chairman of Chippa United FC and as a proud South African, I find myself in a unique position during this 2023 AFCON toumament in that our very own Nigeria international Stanley Nwabali has been a revelation; his performance for the Nigerian National Team has caught the eyes of the globe, earning him and our club international acclaim.

With Stanley’s rising profile and the international attention it brings to Chippa United FC, the benefits have been nothing but positive. Therefore, I and Chippa United FC stand behind our player Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow against South Africa Bafana Bafana. We wish the Super Eagles all the best.

Chairman Siviwe Chippa Mpengesi.

Ahead of today’s Africa Cup of Nations semi final game against South Africa opinions have been pouring in on the team that will likely book a place in the final of the tournament taking place in Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

South Africa will be eyeing a spot in the final for the first time since 1998 , while the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be looking to go all the way and equal the team of 2013 who went all the way to lift the trophy at the home of today’s opponent.

Super Eagles dispatch Angola 1-0 to get to this stage, while South Africa had to rely on penalties to beat Cape Verde 2-1 with both teams tied on 0-0 after extra time. Jabu Mahlangu believe today’s game will be much easier than the quarter final game.

Speaking ahead of the game , the former international said he has huge faith in the team that they will beat Nigeria and book a place in the final saying he was scared when they took on Cape Verde much more than he is ahead of today’s game.

“It was a tough game, Cape Verde gave us a good show as well. They showed up and put us under pressure.

“I know they (Cape Verde) dominated the game. Most of the game they dominated ball possession,” Mahlangu said.

“But they were not really too dangerous or whereby they were putting Ronwen or our defence under pressure. Although at some point in the game, we were defending far too deep. We were allowing them to put pressure on us (Bafana). I hope we can improve on that.”

“Yeah Nigeria, actually, I was scared of Cape Verde more than Nigeria. I welcome Nigeria. We are going to beat Nigeria. We are not scared of Nigeria,” Mahlangu added.

“Again, I don’t want to be carried away. We will take it one day at a time.”

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Nigeria will take on South Africa in the semi final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast later today as both teams seek a spot in the final of the prestigious Africa soccer showpiece, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Ahead of the game, Nigeria had their final training session yesterday with head coach Jose Peseiro leading the team in what lasted around an hour with tactics and formations top of what was properly addressed yesterday.

Peseiro who will likely stick with the 3-4-3 formation that has brought the Super Eagles this far in the tournament will likely make one change to the starting lineup with Zaidu Sanusi missing training yesterday.

While that of the FC Porto player might be forced due to injury, the same can’t be said about Alhassan Yusuf who started the first game before he was substituted with a thigh injury. He made his return in the quarter final game against Angola as a substitute for Alex Iwobi in the 1-0 win.

He is currently giving the coaches a lot to ponder with his performances in training so much that the coach has admitted that he is under pressure to play him in today’s game. Peseiro likes the box to box style of play of the Antwerp midfielder.

Even if he doesn’t get to start it is certain that he will play some part in the game likely as a substitute when the team need fresh ideas.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The senior national team of Nigeria will later today take on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Ahead of the game , the Nigerian team led by Jose Peseiro had their final training session yesterday with all but one of the players not taking part in the session which lasted for almost an hour.

We can exclusively reveal that Zaidu Sanusi, who has played every game for Nigeria in the run to the semi final had to sit out the session with a little knock, which will likely see him miss the game later today.

Sanusi has started in four of the Super Eagles five games at the tournament and his absence will no doubt trouble the team , but Peseiro has the option of playing Bright Osayi-Samuel as left wingback or hand an AFCON debut to Bruno Onyemaechi.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The camp of the senior national team of Nigeria has been hit with food poisoning ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi final game against South Africa, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Yesterday, Super Eagles travelled to Bouake where the game will take place tomorrow and as reported by the official media of the team , they travelled without Victor Osimhen who they said is suffering from abdominal issues.

We exclusively gathered that it is linked to food poisoning which as many as five other players who made also suffering from it. Osimhen is said to be so fragile and weak making him miss yesterday’s close door training hence the decision to leave him behind in Abidjan.

He will be administered drips and other medical supplies to help him recover the fluid he has lost from the stooling that came from the bout. The speed at which he recovers is what will determine his inclusion in the game.

Head coach Jose Peseiro also confirmed in his pre match conference that he will know more about the availability of Osimhen later this afternoon, although camp sources say they expect him to be fit.

Ade Emmanuel

Coach of the Bafana Bafana of South Africa Hugo Broos has fired the first shot at the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their semi final clash at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.comreports.

Both teams will clash for a spot in the final of the tournament with the Super Eagles pushing to be at their first final since 2013 while South Africa are aiming for a spot in the final for the first time since 1998.

Broos while speaking on the Nigerian team pointed out that the team has continue to improve as the tournament progresses saying their major strength lies in the attack.

“I think Nigeria is a team that has become better and better [throughout the competition] when I saw them [against Angola] I saw a very good team, with a very good striker, a few good players,” Broos said.

He pointed out Ademola Lookman, who has scored all three of Nigeria’s goals in the knock out round as the one who they have to keep a close eye on and not the reigning Africa footballer of the year Victor Osimhen, who is now a doubt for the game tomorrow.

Lookman, the one who scored the goal, very good player, so we have to analyse a bit more because we didn’t have the time [before the quarter-final]. We know now that it’s us in the semi-finals – so we’ll analyse as soon as we can and see how we can use their weaknesses in the team but also be aware of the qualities they have”.

Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro says his team at the Africa Cup of Nations has shown they can be very solid at the back but laments the fact that they are not that efficient higher up the pitch, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Ahead of the semi final game against South Africa tomorrow, the coach took a look at the key indexes that has brought them to this stage of the tournament starting with his defence.

“Once again we played without conceding, scored a goal, but I would have liked more. The team could have created more opportunities,” he said after the 1-0 quarter final win against Angola.

Blessed with options in attack, it is somehow surprising that they have only scored six goals in five games at tournament. Peseiro defended his players for the 1-0 win over Angola, before admitting that the lack of game time of the duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Joe Aribo isn’t helping his team in terms of chances creation.

Although the Super Eagles stay top in that regards, the coach who is yet to give Iheanacho a minute and also used Aribo sparingly at the tournament says others muat step up and show why they are playing ahead of the duo.

“We are a quality team, Angola was very good, but we had more luck. I remain satisfied with my players but want us to be more efficient,” Peseiro added.

“We’re missing some key creators like Iheanacho and Aribo, so it’s been hard. But others must now step up,” he noted in an interview on the official website of CAF.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman