Lagos, the sports capital of Nigeria and the home of the largest fan base of the Super Eagles, is buzzing with excitement as the national team prepares to face South Africa in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday.
The Lagos State Government has set up a mega viewing centre at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, formerly known as Onikan Stadium, to accommodate the thousands of fans who want to watch the match live on a giant screen. The viewing centre is one of 25 others across the state, where residents can enjoy the best of African football in a festive atmosphere.
The match, which kicks off at 6 pm at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast, is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two of the continent’s most formidable teams. Nigeria, three-time champions and eight-time bronze medalists, have not lost any game in the tournament so far. South Africa, who won the title in 1996 and finished second in 1998, have also impressed with their defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess, eliminating hosts Ivory Coast and defending champions Senegal in the knockout stages.
This will be the fourth time the two teams meet in the AFCON, with Nigeria winning all the previous three matches. The most recent one was in the 2000 edition, when Nigeria edged South Africa 2-0 in the semi-finals, thanks to a brace from Tijani Babangida. However, South Africa have beaten Nigeria twice in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, and will be hoping to repeat that feat on Wednesday.
The winner of the match will advance to the final on Sunday, where they will face either Ivory Coast or DR Congo, who play in the other semi-final on Wednesday. The loser will play in the third-place match on Saturday.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said in a statement on Tuesday that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged all Lagosians to support the Super Eagles and pray for their victory. He also assured that adequate security and logistics arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and safe viewing experience for the fans.
“We are confident that our Super Eagles will make us proud and bring home the trophy. Lagos is ready to celebrate with them and show the world that we are a great sporting city and a great nation,” Omotoso said.
