The Super Eagles have been solid defensively, keeping a clean sheet in their last four matches, including against Angola in the quarter-finals. However, they showed signs of fatigue in their narrow 1-0 win, with players like Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, and Frank Onyeka struggling.
Despite this, Ademola Lookman has been a standout player for Nigeria, scoring his third goal of the tournament against Angola. His performance has been crucial, as he joins a select group of Nigerian players who have scored three or more goals in a single edition of the tournament.
Nigeria is aiming for their 15th semi-final appearance, with hopes of reaching the final for the first time since their victory in 2013. However, South Africa won't make it easy, having already defeated strong opponents like Morocco.
South Africa's goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, has been particularly impressive, saving four penalties in the quarter-final shootout. Their journey to the semi-finals has been marked by resilience, as they aim to reach their first final since 2000.
The history between Nigeria and South Africa at the Cup of Nations favors Nigeria, who have never lost to South Africa in the tournament. This adds extra significance to their upcoming clash, highlighting the one-sided nature of their encounters in this prestigious competition.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Osimhen is undoubtedly Nigeria's standout player, but his struggles with finishing have become a cause for concern for the nation as they pursue their fourth African title.Despite his recent performance dip in the quarter-final, the anticipation is high for him to lead the line, supported by the impressive form of Lookman and Moses Simon on the flanks in Peseiro's tactical setup.
However, Nigeria faces the risk of losing key players like Simon, Ola Aina, or Calvin Bassey to suspensions if any of them receive bookings in Wednesday's match, potentially affecting their chances in a potential final.
Similarly, South Africa faces similar concerns with players like Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, and Mothobi Mvala at risk of missing out on a final due to yellow cards accumulated in previous matches against Morocco.
Both teams have shown defensive solidity, with neither conceding since the early stages of the tournament. It's expected that Broos will stick with the same defensive lineup that has served his team well in the past four games.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nigeria possible starting lineup:Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi; Simon, Lookman; Osimhen
South Africa possible starting lineup:
Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Morena, Zwane, Tau; Makgopa
EXPERT PREDICTION
Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
This gives Peseiro's team a physical advantage heading into the semi-finals, potentially boosting their chances of reaching the tournament's final.
