The Super Eagles defeated Palancas Negras in Abidjan on Friday and their next opponent will be decided today on Saturday
Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi is confident that the Super Eagles are ready to face the semi-finalists between Cape Verde and South Africa, Soccernet.ng reported.
Nigeria advanced to the semi-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations with a 1-0 win over Palancas Negras (Angola) on Friday.
Ademola Lookman scored Nigeria’s only goal in the 36th minute after a great combination with Moses Simon.
South Africa and Cape Verde will meet this evening (Saturday, February 3) at the Stade Charles Conan Bunny, with the winner facing Nigeria in the semi-finals.
Ajayi, who watched all of Nigeria’s AFCON matches, said he respects both South Africa and Cape Verde, but insisted that Nigeria is not afraid of either country.
The West Brom defender is confident that the Super Eagles will win against either team and warned that Nigeria’s next opponents will be Jose Peseiro’s side.
“It doesn’t matter who we play,” Ajayi said after the game against Angola.
“This is an 11-on-11 game. We just have to win. It doesn’t matter if we’re number one or not. We’re ready for the challenge.
“The goal is to go all the way, but we’re not thinking too far into the future.” All we’re thinking about is Wednesday (the semi-final showdown). This one. ”
Ajayi played a key role in Nigeria’s excellent defense.
The Super Eagles have not conceded a goal in four consecutive AFCON matches and have conceded just one goal in five matches.
The former Arsenal player believes that staying last was the key to defeating the powerful Angola team in the quarter-finals.
“That was good,” Ajay added. “It was a close game. They (Angola) gave us a good game, but defensively we were solid again.
“And that gave us the foundation to win.”
Nigeria has won the AFCON trophy three times and the Super Eagles are two wins away from winning their fourth continental title.
