Nigerian fans cheered in unison as their team proceeded to the Africa Cup of Nations finals following a hard-fought semi-final match, and they celebrated a tight penalty win over South Africa on Wednesday night.
During their knockout match in Bouake, Ivory Coast, Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties thanks to a goal from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho.
After extra time, the score was tied 1-1. Nigeria, the three-time African champions, will now play the hosts, Ivory Coast, in the championship match on Sunday.
The final penalty at the Tiger Bar in the Ikoyi neighborhood of Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, set off a flurry of celebrations and dancing as their team qualified for the continental finals.
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"For the first time in a long time, we are excited; we are happy Nigeria beat South Africa," supporter Peace Nwanro said. "Nigeria will keep winning."
Teboho Mokoena equalized from a penalty kick, and Nigeria's captain, William Troost-Ekong, scored the first goal after 67 minutes. Both goals came from penalties during regular time. The drama was increased when one Nigerian goal was disallowed.
"I felt pressure right away," stated Nigerian caterer Kayode Qudus. "A lot of people are hoping for more from them. Nigeria isn't very happy right now, but I believe that this will make us happier—we have to prevail."
Nigeria, the biggest economy in Africa, needs help keeping up with rising living expenses due to economic reforms the government implemented to cut expenditures and increase foreign investment.
After Nigerian musicians like Burna Boy and Davido failed to win a Grammy at the most recent music awards, some saw the football victory over South Africa further fueling the rivalry between the continent's biggest names.
Though Nigerians dominated the nominations, Tyla of South Africa won the Grammy's Best African Music Award.
Fans of the national team "Bafana Bafana" in Johannesburg, the economic hub of South Africa, expressed their continued pride in their squad despite some donning the national flag's green, black, and gold colors.
