Ex-Super Eagles maestro Fanny Amun has thrown down the gauntlet to the Nigerian squad, urging them not to overlook their South African rivals in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash in Cote d'Ivoire.
Following a tight victory over Angola, the Super Eagles are set to battle the Bafana Bafana on February 7, a match that promises high stakes and even higher tensions.
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Amun's commendations come on the heels of Nigeria's hard-fought 1-0 victory against Angola, propelling them into the semi-finals with hopes high.
The former coach is impressed with the team's progression, noting their continuous improvement. "The past of the two teams does not matter; with each match, I've seen improvement," he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
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"His advice to the team is clear: underestimate South Africa at your peril. "We should be prepared to give the match with South Africa our best; we shouldn't underrate any team that has made it to the semi-finals," Amun emphasized as reported by Allafrica.
A Clash of Titans: Nigeria vs South Africa
As anticipation builds, Amun remains non-committal about predictions but is optimistic about the Super Eagles' chances. His focus is on the present, urging the team to cross the semi-final bridge before eyeing the final prize.
"There must be a winner. Let's cross this semi-final bridge first, and from there, we will see how it goes. But I can tell you the finals will be very exciting; this year's edition of AFCON has been filled with pleasant surprises," he shared.
Despite the pressure and the critical eyes of the Nigerian fans, Amun praised the team's performance beyond expectations, especially considering their rocky start and the criticism they faced.
The Super Eagles' journey to the semi-finals has been a testament to their resilience and ability to rise above challenges. South Africa's path was no less dramatic, securing their spot in the semi-finals through a nail-biting 2-1 penalty shootout victory over Cape Verde after a goalless draw.