Nigeria's Super Eagles have garnered support from all corners, including from ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand
Legendary Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand demonstrated his enthusiastic support for the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, following their hard-fought victory against South Africa in the AFCON 2023 semi-final.
Nigeria scrape past South Africa in AFCON 2023 semifinals
The thrilling encounter ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout where Nigeria emerged triumphant with a 4-2 scoreline, thanks to standout saves from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
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They may not represent Nigeria at the international level, but these players are proud to be associated with the AFCON 2023 finalists
The intense match saw South Africa reduced to 10 men in the latter part of extra time, with Grant Kekana receiving a red card for a foul on the goal-bound Terem Moffi.
The victory secured Nigeria's spot in the AFCON 2023 final against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch of their earlier group-stage clash.
Ferdinand supports Super Eagles
In a visible display of solidarity, Ferdinand shared a photo on his social media, donning an old Nigerian jersey, showcasing his allegiance to the Super Eagles.
Despite his clear support for Nigeria, Ferdinand faced skepticism from a fan on Twitter, accusing him of being a fair-weather supporter. In response, the former England defender swiftly shut down doubts by sharing pictures from three separate occasions in the past where he had actively engaged with and supported Nigerian football.
Ferdinand's unwavering backing for the Super Eagles remains evident, proving that his allegiance transcends fleeting moments and extends to a genuine affinity for Nigerian football.