Nottingham Forest defender, Ola Aina, has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles are ready to face South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) today.
Aina spoke at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game, which will see Nigeria make another decisive move to secure a fourth consecutive victory over the Bafana Bafana senior team of South Africa in the history of the tournament.
“It is going to be a good game between two good teams. Myself and my teammates are ready for this challenge,” Aina who has played a vital role at AFCON 2023 said about the clash.
Aina was also asked by a reporter to speak on the management style of Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro. The former Chelsea, Torino and Fulham defender said nice things about Peseiro. “I think he is a good coach. He is hard on us when he needs to do that and lenient when he needs to.”
“There is a correct balance from the manager as he has always tried his best to help the players do things the right way.” Meanwhile, the game will be the fourth between Nigeria and South Africa at AFCON level with the Super Eagles winning the previous three by an aggregate score of 8 -1.
The two countries last met in the semi-finals of the AFCON in 2000 with Nigeria winning the game 2-0 in Lagos courtesy of a brace from former Ajax Amsterdam winger, Tijani Babangida.
