More than two decades ago, in February 2000, the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 2-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) semi-final.
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At 7pm tonight, these African football powerhouses will face off in another Afcon final four.
The match was played in Lagos 24 years ago, as Nigeria was co-hosting the tournament at the time, with 60 000 ecstatic fans rooting for the Super Eagles to defeat then-South African coach Trott Moloto’s team.
This time, Nigeria will not have a home advantage because the Stade de la Paix is neutral.
Bafana were arguably a far stronger team in 2000, thanks to the presence of several international stars, including Andre Arendse (Fulham), Lucas Radebe (Leeds United), Mark Fish (Bolton Wanderers), Quinton Fortune (Manchester United), Helman Mkhalele (Ankaragücü), and Shaun Bartlett (FC Zürich).
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The winning Super Eagles team was also impressive, featuring African football legends such as Taribo West (AC Milan), Finidi George (Real Betis), Sunday Oliseh (Juventus), and Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal).
Nigeria’s hero on the night, however, was Ajax Amsterdam striker Tijani Babangida, whose first-half brace was enough to propel his country to the final, where it lost to Cameroon.
On Wednesday night, Nigeria will have another match-winner in the mould of Babangida: British-born Ademola Lookman, a winger for Serie A club Atalanta.
The former Everton and Charlton Athletic striker has scored three of Nigeria’s six goals at Afcon 2023 so far, and his performances in front of opposing goals have piqued South African coach Hugo Broos’ interest.
‘Nigeria is a team who have become better and better with every game at this Afcon,’ said Broos.
‘It’s a good team and a very good side with a few good players like the one, what’s his name? Look at Lookman, the one who scored the goal (against Angola) and two in the previous round (against Cameroon).’
‘He is a very good player. We have to analyse them a little bit more now that we know we are playing against in the the semi-finals.’
On the eve of their match against South Africa, Lookman, who played for several England youth teams before choosing to play for Nigeria, admitted he is struggling with the weight of expectations.
‘I feel the pressure wearing this Nigeria shirt,’ said the 26-year-old.
‘Every single time I put on the jersey, that’s just what comes with being Nigerian and playing for the country. I’m proud to do that and take that responsibility.’
Broos is wary of Nigeria’s ever-improving performance, but he believes his team can win the match on Wednesday.
‘We will see how we can use the weaknesses in this team and be aware of the qualities of this team,’ said Broos.
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Picture: Ganiyu Yusuf/Gallo Images
