Stanley Nwabali earned Nigeria a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after saving two penalties in a 4-2 shootout success over South Africa.
Nigeria had lost five of their previous six semi-finals at the continental finals but survived some nervous moments to book a place in Sunday’s decider against either hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who meet later on Wednesday.
William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria into the lead from the penalty spot midway through the second half, before South Africa earned a spot-kick of their own in the final minute of the 90 and it was converted by Teboho Mokoena, leaving the game at 1-1 in normal time.
South Africa lost defender Grant Kekana to a red card in extra-time as Nigeria put them under constant pressure, and then lost their nerve in the shootout soon after as Nwabali saved from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa.
Nigeria’s players celebrate after William Troost-Ekong scores from the penalty spot
More to follow…