Nigeria vs South Africa Prediction: The Super Eagles will advance to the next round in this fierce Amapiano Derby

The highly anticipated clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and their arch-rivals, South Africa, is set to take place at the Stade de Bouake Stadium on Wednesday. This mouth-watering encounter will see two of the strongest defensive teams in this tournament battle it out for continental supremacy. Interestingly, this fixture presents a chance for Nigeria to replicate their impressive victory over Bafana Bafana in the 2000 semi-finals. The Super Eagles are determined to secure their fourth title in this competition, while South Africa will be equally committed to clinching their second championship.

NIGERIA

FIFA Ranking: 42th

The Super Eagles have proved their mettle once again, soaring high despite their disappointing start and securing their record fifteenth semi-final appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations. Although they have only managed to move forward in one of the last six competitions at this stage, their impressive victory in South Africa in 2013 proves their potential to come out on top. Nigeria's resilience and determination were on full display as they knocked out Angola in the quarterfinals. Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman has maintained his impressive goal-scoring streak, adding another goal to his tally in the tournament. His solo effort was enough to propel the Super Eagles to the next stage, leaving no doubt about their capabilities.

Jose Peseiro's men adopted their usual five at the back, which once again worked perfectly for them against the Stable Antelope. 

The Super Eagles have one of the best defenses in this tournament and have lost just once in their thirteen previous games. 

Nigeria's Likely Lineup: Nwabali; Aina, O. Samuel, Ekong, Sanusi; Alhassan Yusuf, Iwobi, Onyeka, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen

Key Player: Victor Osimhen

SOUTH AFRICA

FIFA Ranking: 66th

South Africa's Bafana Bafana are set to play their fourth semi-final in the Africa Cup of Nations, and they are more than ready to take on the challenge! Their last semi-final was back in 2000 when they were eliminated by Nigeria, but this time, they're determined to come out on top. After a thrilling quarterfinal match against Cape Verde, which ended in a (0-0) tie, South Africa secured their place in the semi-finals by winning 2-1 on penalties. Ronwen Williams played a crucial role in this victory, saving four penalties to give his team the edge. South Africa boasts the second-best defense in the tournament, with four clean sheets, just like Nigeria. They have won three out of their last five matches, with one loss and a draw. With this impressive record, they are confident they can advance to the finals against their formidable opponent, Nigeria. Bafana Bafana will need to be at their best, but they are ready for whatever comes their way.

South Africa Likely Lineup: Williams; Modiba, Xulu, Sibisi, Mudau; Sithole, Mokoena; Lepasa, Zwane, Tau; Mayambela

Key Player: Ronwen Williams

Expert Betting Tips

Over their previous fourteen meetings, the Super Eagles enjoyed a lion’s share of the results with seven wins. At the same time, South Africa have managed just two wins, with the remaining five ending in stalemates. Bafana Bafana have surpassed their target in this competition, following their poor opening day defeat against Mali. They keep waxing stronger as they eliminate a solid Cape Verde side. Mamelodi Sundowns' goalkeeper's heroic display can’t be held under the carpet as he single-handedly won his side the maximum points after saving four penalties in a single game. On the other side, Nigeria once again performed superbly against their opponent, knocking out Angola in the quarterfinals. For the third consecutive game, Nigeria have got the job done before the break, and have been solid at the back.

This fierce contest will be decided in the final third of the match as the team with the most effective attackers wins here. Both sides have the best defense in this tournament and are blessed in the middle of the park. However, with the speculation surrounding the absence of Victor Osimhen for Nigeria, we think they might struggle a bit. 

Bafana Bafana have never defeated Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations; they succumbed to a (2-0) loss in the semi-finals in 2000, surrendered to a (4-0) thrashing in 2004, and suffered elimination after a (2-1) loss in the last eight in 2019. 

Nigeria boasts a well-rounded and seasoned squad, but Bafana Bafana's unparalleled synergy and cohesion, with eight of their starting eleven hailing from the same Mamelodi Sundowns team, make them a formidable opponent. While both sides prioritize defense, this encounter promises to be a nail-biting affair; bet on a halftime draw for 2.00.

Regardless of what Bafana Bafana throw at the Super Eagles, we think Nigeria will make it to the final here.

This game will witness more goals after the break for 2.20.

Good luck!