Last Updated on February 5, 2024 3:29 pm by Erwin Noguera
The African Cup has a big date to define the first finalist: the favorite Nigeria will face the surprising South Africa.
To reach the last four, the Eagles overcame Angola 1-0, with a goal by skillful striker Ademola Lookman.
The Bafana Bafana drew 0-0 with Cape Verde, which was having a tremendous tournament, and won on penalties by 2-1.
When and where?
Wednesday, February 7, noon ET at the Stadio Municipal de Bouaké
Moneyline odds:
Nigeria 1.62
South Africa 6.45
Draw Offs:
3.62
Where Can I Watch?
BeIN Sports
Why Bet on Nigeria?
For what it means historically on the continent, Nigeria is always a candidate to be champion of the African Cup, despite not winning it since 2013.
To reach this round, the Eagles beat Angola 1-0 with a goal by Ademola Lookman, one of Atalanta’s Serie A stars.
So far, the Nigerian team is undefeated, with four wins and a 1-1 draw in its debut against Equatorial Guinea.
Nigeria has scored in every game they have played, while in the last five matches they have kept a clean sheet, being the best defense of the tournament with only one goal allowed.
Lookman has been the team’s best player with three goals and one assist. He is just two goals away from matching the Guinean Emilio Nsue, who is currently winning the Golden Boot.
But Lookman is not the only attacking star, with Napoli star striker Victor Osimhen and winger Alex Iwobi, currently with Fulham.
Nigeria reports no injured or suspended players.
Why Bet on South Africa?
South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa, but in soccer it is never a contender and does not have enough outstanding players for its fans to get their hopes up. That is why their journy to the semifinals is a surprise.
In the quarterfinals the South Africans drew 0-0 with Cape Verde, who were having a great African Cup. They won 2-1 on penalties, although Zakhele Lepasa and Aubrey Modiba missed their kicks. The great figure was their captain, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who saved four penalties.
The team started the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Mali, but then bounced back by crushing Namibia 4-0 and sealed their qualification with a goalless draw with Tunisia. In the round of 16, they pulled off one of the biggest surprises by eliminating Morocco, semi-finalists at the last FIFA World Cup, with a dramatic 2-0 win.
Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena were the stars of that day. However, the team’s top scorer so far is Themba Zwane with two goals and an assist.
South Africa have now gone four clean sheets and their goalscoring ability is impressive, with six goals so far, but were scored in just two games.
One fact to keep in mind is that this country has not reached the semifinals of the African Cup since 2000 and has not been champions since 1996.
There are no injuries or suspensions for this team.
Final Betting Analysis: Nigeria vs. South Africa
The last time these countries met was for this same cup but in the 2019 edition and it ended with a 2-1 Nigerian victory. The goals were by Samuel Chukwueze and William Troost-Ekong, two players who are currently in the team.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Nigeria as the favorite. The Moneyline for them shows 1.62, while South Africa has 6.45, and the draw is at 3.62.
South Africa comes from giving several blows in the African Cup, but there is no doubt that the finalist in this key will be Nigeria, thanks to their individual quality and historical supremacy over this rival.
Go for a straight win for Nigeria in the Moneyline. If you bet $100 at 162, you will gain $62 for a total payout of $162.
Nigeria vs. South Africa Betting Pick: Nigeria
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