Kelechi Iheanacho’s winning penalty propelled Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final, securing a 4-2 shootout victory over South Africa after a 1-1 draw in the semifinal. Despite initial injury concerns for Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, he played a crucial role. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made key saves, denying South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa. Nigeria’s breakthrough came with a penalty from captain William Troost-Ekong, but a VAR check nullified Osimhen’s late goal, leading to a South African equalizer by Mokoena. The intense match ended with missed opportunities, setting the stage for Nigeria in the final.
Nigeria Secures Africa Cup of Nations Final Spot in Dramatic Shootout
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