Nigeria secured their place in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2024 after a thrilling win over South Africa in a penalty shootout.
The match, which some Nigerians had dubbed the battle of Amapiano and Afrobeat, was a nail-biting match that kept most Nigerians at the edge of their seats.
Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when captain William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled in the box. The Super Eagles looked in control and confident, as they created several chances to extend their lead. However, South Africa snatched a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute, when Teboho Mokoena scored from the spot after a VAR review.
The extra time was a cagey affair, with both teams cautious not to concede till the game went to penalties.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Bobo Nwabali emerged as the hero, as he saved two penalties from Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala, while Kelechi Iheanacho scored the decisive spot-kick for the Super Eagles. The chants of victory echoed throughout the country.
The match was met with mixed emotions from Nigerians, who expressed their delight, relief, and pride on social media.
Some praised the performance of the Nigerian players, especially Osimhen and Nwabali, who were instrumental in the victory.
Oma Akatugba, a Nigerian user X wrote,
Nwabili is the man of the match. He is the best.
Nwabali is the man of the match. He is the best.
— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) February 7, 2024
Another user, Yousuph Grey Wrote,
Dear @NwabaliBobo, you’ve won a special place in our hearts. Your Man of the Match win is well deserved. God bless you for keeping the flag flying. Soar Super Eagles.
Dear @NwabaliBobo, you’ve won a special place in our hearts. Your Man of the Match win is well deserved. God bless you for keeping the 🇳🇬 flying. Soar, Super Eagles 🦅 ❤️
📷: @FotoNugget pic.twitter.com/aMo2cbquXp
— The Yousuph Grey ✨ (@theyousuphgrey) February 7, 2024
Some also mocked South Africa, who they considered their rivals, and taunted them with memes and jokes.
Valking an X user wrote,
We have finally taken Amapiano from South Africa 😭🇳🇬
We have finally taken Amapiano from South Africa 😭🇳🇬
— valking ♔ (@_VALKlNG) February 7, 2024
Rex, another user wrote,
It’s now called Afropiano!!!
It’s now called Afropiano!!!https://t.co/FNLNsqTiNA
— R€X 🤴 (@ophicialrex) February 7, 2024
DaluxGraphics went all out by mocking Ghana, Cameron teams that were both defeated by the Super Eagles,
Gimme Ghana Jollof, con put small Cameron pepper add that big Antelope meat and las las play me Amapiano con put water by tyler for queue
🇳🇬🌚🇳🇬
We soar 🦅🦅🦅
Gimme Ghana Jollof, con put small Cameron pepper add that big Antelope meat and las las play me Amapiano con put water by tyler for queue
🇳🇬🌚🇳🇬We soar 🦅🦅🦅
— DaluxGraphics 🏆🏆🏆 (@Standard_dalux) February 7, 2024
Evy Anna Wrote,
Is like South Africans have left Twitter. What is happening? They should come out and tell us the story about their penalty juju and how it failed them😂😂
Is like South Africans have left Twitter. What is happening? They should come out and tell us the story about their penalty juju and how it failed them😂😂
— Evy Anna (@EvyAnnieChi) February 7, 2024
Nigeria will face Ivory Coast or DR Congo in the final on February 11, 2024.
The Super Eagles will be aiming to win their fourth AFCON title.
