What a week it has been in the African Cup Of Nations. The competition has never failed to be entertaining since it began last month as we have seen some incredible moments in the competition. This week the semi-final matches were played and the result was not shocking to me because I knew it was bound to happen following the team's incredible run through the tournament but I still think Ivory Coast, the host nation of the tournament, deserve to be in the finals even though some people oppose this statement.
Nigeria battled the Bafana Bafana side(South Africa) on Wednesday night for a place in the final. Nigeria has been a super squad in the tournament and is the favourite to win the AFCON trophy this Sunday. Nigeria has only conceded two goals in the tournament and one of the goals conceded was through a penalty which was given to South Africa on Wednesday night. Now the focus for the Super Eagles is on the final match this Sunday.
Nigeria will be up against Ivory Coast for the second time in the AFCON. The first time both teams met was in the group stage and Nigeria won by 2 goals to nothing over Ivory Coast. It was uncertain Ivory Coast would make the round of sixteen but get lucky as Morocco's last match win in the group stage helped the Ivory Coast side to qualify for the round of sixteen since then they have been beating teams they faced in each stage and one of their matches that impressed me a lot was when they faced Mali.
Ivory Coast won by 2 goals to 1 with just ten men on the field. Ivory Coast showed great character to reach the final and I look forward to seeing what they bring tomorrow against Nigeria. The Super Eagles have a lot to do in the final tomorrow because they will face a different Ivory Coast they played in the group stage and on top of that they are going to be playing in the host nation's home soil. It is going to be a toxic atmosphere for the Super Eagles because the Ivorian fans will flood the stadium and try to intimidate the Super Eagles with loud noise.
The Super Eagle has shown that the pressure from the fans and opposition team doesn't get to them, especially the Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali who has been superb in this competition. I am backing these boys on this one. I believe they will go into the game tomorrow and seal the deal to victory. It's going to be a blast this Sunday and I hope you all don't miss it.
So guys that will be all for now. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day.