Newsmax online reports that Super Eagles of Nigeria will face South Africa in the first Semi Finals of the 2023 African Cup Of Nations Slated for Wednesday.

Captain Ronwen Williams saved four shootout penalties as part of an outstanding goalkeeping display to help South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a gruelling win over Cape Verde following a goalless draw after extra time.

Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Bryan Teixeira were all denied by the inspired Williams, who also made a spectacular late save to tip Gilson Benchimol’s first-time strike against the woodwork with extra time looming during a contest largely characterised by poor finishing.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made two exceptional saves in quick succession shortly after extra time began to deny Mihlali Mayambela and Teboho Mokoena.

South Africa will now have the chance to avenge their defeat to Nigeria on their last appearance in the Afcon semi-finals, when they were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles in 2000.

The 1996 champions will attempt to bridge a 24-place gap in Fifa’s rankings when they meet the three-time winners in Bouake on Wednesday

South Africa and Nigeria are two sides that have a lot of history. The game is always a serious rivalry, and it promises to be an interesting fixture.

Ivory Coast won their quarterfinal against Mali 2-1 earlier in the day and meet DR Congo in the last four

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria booked a place in the next phase of the competition after defeating Angola 1-0 on Friday.

Ademola Lookman delivered the killer blow as Nigeria overcame Angola’s physical approach to moved into the last 4.

Lookman’s goal came at 41 minute just before halftime, following unselfish play from Moses Simon.

For the Super Eagles, it was sweet vengeance over the Palancas Negras who in June 2005 prevented Nigeria from qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

For the Angolans who are ranked 117th in the world – 75 places below Nigeria – it was yet another failed bid to reach the AFCON semi-final for the first time ever.

Next, Nigeria will face the winner between Cape Verde and South Africa on Wednesday, February 7.

Details later…

The French striker was named Men’s Player of the Year, and the Italian was named Best Coach for the 2021/22 season.

The UEFA 2021/22 awards were presented in Istanbul, and the big winners were Karim Benzema and Carlo Ancelotti. The French international was named Men’s Player of the Year, and the Italian was named Coach of the Year.

The Real Madrid captain received more votes than his teammate Courtois, who finished second, ahead of Kevin de Bruyne, who finished third.

He had an incredible year, helping the team win the Decimocuarta, LaLiga, and the Spanish Super Cup while scoring 44 goals. He also finished as the top scorer in the Uefa Champions League, with 15 goals, which helped him win the competition’s Player of the Year award.

Benzema’s reaction: “The amazing support from our fans helped us to come back in the games”

“I’d like to thank my teammates, my coach and the club president. The amazing support from our fans helped us to come back in the games. For me, the best day in the Champions League was the return leg against PSG, the fans really lifted us to help us fight back. Ancelotti is the best coach in the world, he gives me a lot of confidence and he’s a top professional. I’m delighted that he’s my coach”.

“I’m really happy. It’s the first time I’ve won this award, but what’s most important for me is winning trophies with my team”.

Carlo Ancelotti was named 2021-22 UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year after leading our club to Decimocuarta, LaLiga, and the Spanish Super Cup, and was chosen ahead of Klopp and Guardiola. The Italian, who received more votes than Klopp and Guardiola, became the first coach in history to win the European Cup four times, as well as the only coach to win the league title in all five of Europe’s top leagues: Spain, Germany, France, England, and Italy.

The Italian’s reaction: “There was good chemistry in the team and with the fans”

The Real Madrid coach had the following to say: “Thank you for this award. Thanks to Arrigo Sacchi, who was a great teacher for me. I’d like to thank my players, my club and my coaching staff. I’d also like to thank the fans for those amazing and magical nights at the Santiago Bernabéu. And the club president for giving me the chance to return to Madrid. As well as my family, who have given me the space to do my job”.

“There is no magic formula to winning. But I’m very passionate about the game. It also comes down to the quality of the players you have to train. It was a really special season because we had a really good squad, a good mix of veterans and young players. There was a fantastic connection in the dressing room and good chemistry in the team, and with the fans”, added the Italian.

The award is decided by a jury comprised of clubs from the last Uefa Champions League group stage, the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League, and the UEFA Europa Conference League, as well as a panel of journalists appointed by the European Sports Media Association (ESM).

Along with Benzema and Courtois, who finished third, another two Real Madrid players were chosen from a field of 15 players to receive votes for the award. Modric finished fifth, and Vinicius Jr. finished ninth.