By Mark Ogagan
Nigeria’s game against South Africa on Wednesday marks the country’s 16th semifinal appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.
This feat officially equals Egypt’s long standing record at the biennial tournament.
The Super Eagles secured their ticket to the semifinals of the ongoing AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 after beating Angola 1-0.
For the 16th time in 20 appearances, Nigeria is in the semifinals of the competition, equaling a record set by Egypt, who have also reached the last four 16 times in 26 appearances.
Behind these record-holders, Ghana comes third with 14 semi-finals played in 24 appearances.
Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire have each reached the semi-finals of Africa football’s showpiece event 10 times.
Nigeria, however, has only lifted the trophy three times, with Egypt winning it 7 times as the record holders, followed by Cameroon who have won it 5 times, and Ghana with 4 trophies.
On Wednesday, 7th February 2024, José Peseiro and his men will face South Africa to play in the semi-finals with hopes of qualifying for their 8th final of the competition, one less than Ghana, two less than Egypt, and one more than Cameroon.
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