Afcon 2023: ‘It’s all about Nigeria’ – Babayaro issues rallying cry as Super Eagles gear up for South Africa showdown

Jose Peseiro’s men have been given a recipe for success against Bafana Bafana by the former youth international

 

Emmanuel Babayaro has delivered a rousing rallying cry ahead of Nigeria’s semi-final encounter with South Africa at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles go neck-to-neck against Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana with a final ticket being the bone of contention inside Bouake’s Stade de la Paix.

And the former goalkeeper, a member of the country’s triumphant squad at Atlanta Olympics, is hoping Jose Peseiro’s men reach Sunday’s final.

“One spirit, one nation under God, that’s all you need for the game against South Africa,” the former youth international posted on his Instagram handle, while bedecked in a Nigeria kit.

“Don’t listen to anybody telling you how you must play and how you must not play. The technicalities and tactics of the game belong strictly to you coaches. Nobody else!

“You must jettison any [hatred] and whatever inner wrangling you have – throw it all away, it ends wherever it ends.

“Right now you must focus because it’s all about Nigeria. Best of luck guys.”

South Africa have lost all previous Afcon encounter versus Nigeria, and the 1996 African kings know they have their destiny in their own hands as they aspire for a second African diadem.

Nigeria tumbled out of the 2021 Afcon in the round of 16, but Ahmed Musa and Co are determined to remain in the hunt for global glory this time around as they seek to book a final berth for just the eight time in the nation’s history.

Both teams last met in the semi-finals at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000, with the Super Eagles running out 2-0 winners thanks to a brace from Tijani Babangida.