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Nigeria's Super Eagles face South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the semifinal for a place in the AFCON 2023 final.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria head into the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as the highest-ranked team remaining in the tournament.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON title faces another stern test when the Eagles go head-to-head with rivals South Africa in the semifinals on Wednesday.
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06:50 - 07.02.2024
Nigeria vs South Africa: Iwobi hails 'starboy' Lookman as constant threat ahead of semis
Alex Iwobi has been impressed with Ademola Lookman performance and threat for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023.
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15:14 - 06.02.2024
Nigeria vs South Africa: Expert Betting Tips and Prediction for AFCON 2023
As the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana prepare to face off in what promises to be a thrilling AFCON 2023 semi-final, betting enthusiasts are closely analyzing the teams' forms, historical data, and player performances.
Nigeria leads ranking at AFCON
Ahead of the crucial clash against the Bafana Bafana, the 34th AFCON has proven to be the tournament for the underdogs so far in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Nigerian Super Eagles will take to the pitch in Bouake against South Africa as the highest-ranking team left in the competition.
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Per the current FIFA World Ranking, Nigeria is currently ranked 42nd in the world, making it the only AFCON semifinalist inside the top 45.
Nigeria started the year as the 43rd-best footballing nation in the world and sixth-best-ranked team in Africa heading into the AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire in January.
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However, the top five led by former favourites for the title, Morocco (13th) and defending champions, Senegal (20th), have all exited the tournament.
This leaves the Super Eagles as the top-ranked team in Ivory Coast ahead of the semi-final round of matches.
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Host nation, Ivory Coast (ninth), is the next, with South Africa (12th) and DR Congo (22nd) completing the lineup in the last four.
As they prepare to face South Africa in the semis, Nigeria's ranking underscores their quality and makes them one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
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The Super Eagles' ranking surpasses fellow semifinalists like South Africa, who are ranked 66th in the world, hosts Cote d'Ivoire (49th), and surprise pack, DR Congo, ranked 67th.
With pedigree and ranking on their side, Nigeria will aim to translate their status as Africa's top-ranked team into continental glory.
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