Nigeria meet South Africa in Cairo on Wednesday night in the second AFCON 2019 quarter-final match.
Nigeria claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over holders Cameroon to progress into the last eight.
It's all over in Alexandria. The @NGSuperEagles have soared into the #TotalAFCON2019 Quarterfinals. Congrats Nigerians, thank you for your support!! #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong #NGACMR pic.twitter.com/MMSFwX06V6— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) July 6, 2019
It's all over in Alexandria. The @NGSuperEagles have soared into the #TotalAFCON2019 Quarterfinals. Congrats Nigerians, thank you for your support!! #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong #NGACMR pic.twitter.com/MMSFwX06V6
South Africa produced a shock win against Egypt; knocking the host nation out of the tournament and ensuring their first quarter-final appearance since 2013.
The match looked to be heading for extra-time after a cagey affair however Thembinkosi Lorch scored in the 85th minute to silence the Cairo Internation Stadium.
The Egypt defenders were nowhere to be seen as Lorch capped off a brilliant team move by Bafana Bafana.
Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi scored the winning goal as the Super Eagles came from behind to beat Cameroon.
Odion Ighalo gave Nigeria the lead after 19 minutes but Cameroon struck back with two quick goals just before half-time.
Ighalo scored again after the break to draw the sides level before Iwobi slotted home the winner in the 66th minute.
Nigeria only managed 38% of the ball possession but were clinical in front of goal, with three of their four shots on target finding the back of the net.
Despite their strong squad, the Super Eagles have been less than convincing so far and will be hoping that the win over Cameroon can kick-start their tournament.
They finished second in Group B, after losing to Madagascar in their final group match. This defeat came after consecutive 1-0 wins over Burundi and Guinea respectively.
Nigeria last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and they are looking for their fourth triumph this time around. South Africa’s only AFCON title came back in 1996 when they hosted the tournament.
South Africa qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-place teams after picking up just three points from their three group matches.
Their performances in the group stage made their victory over Egypt in the last sixteen an even bigger surprise.
Nigeria have the more impressive head to head record between the two teams. They have claimed six victories against South Africa over the years whilst only suffering two defeats.
The Super Eagles will be boosted by the return to fitness of captain John Obi Mikel. The midfielder was injured in the group match with Madagascar but should be available for selection on Wednesday.
Forebet predicts a narrow Nigeria victory.