Aina: Nigeria primed and ready for South Africa semi-final showdown
Nigeria defender Ola Aina says the Super Eagles are fully focused and prepared for their massive TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa on Wednesday.
The Torino full-back believes coach Jose Peseiro has struck the right balance to ensure the team peaks at the right time in pursuing a fourth African crown.
“My teammates and I are ready for this challenge,” Aina told reporters ahead of the last four clashes.
“The coach is hard on us when he needs to be and lenient when he needs to be – there’s a good balance to help us progress.”
Nigeria is now entirely fixated on overcoming a buoyant South Africa side to book their place in Sunday’s final.
“The focus is solely on the South Africa game and getting the job done,” Aina stated.
“It’s a massive match with so much at stake, including qualification for the 2023 AFCON final.”
Nigeria aims to reach the showpiece event for the 10th time as they look to add to their titles from 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Peseiro’s side edged past Cameroon and then Angola in the knockout rounds and appeared to be building momentum.
But Bafana Bafana represents their sternest test after knocking out favorites Morocco and Cape Verde.
Aina is confident Nigeria has prepared meticulously and will embrace the high stakes when the rivals collide at Stade de la Paix in Bouake.