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Kelechi Iheanacho etched his name into the annals of Nigerian football history by scoring the decisive penalty that propelled the Super Eagles past South Africa into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a tournament where Nigeria aimed to shake off the semi-final jinx that haunted them in five of their last six attempts, Iheanacho emerged as the hero in a high-stakes drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Breaking the Curse
Introduced in the 102nd minute for a weary Ademola Lookman, Iheanacho made his first mark in the tournament. Despite a missed opportunity from a free kick that was saved by South Africa's goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, the striker's moment of redemption came in the penalty shootout.
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17:03 - 08.02.2024
AFCON 2023: Stanley Nwabali sends heartfelt message to South Africa post-semifinal triumph
In a display of sheer brilliance and sportsmanship, Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles' guardian of the net, has extended his heartfelt sentiments to South Africans and their ardent supporters, following a nail-biting victory over the Bafana Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 semi-finals.
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16:08 - 08.02.2024
We were better than them — South Africa coach laments loss to Super Eagles
South Africa coach, Hugo Broos has claimed that his team played well enough to qualify for the final of AFCON 2023.
With the weight of the nation's expectations on his shoulders, Iheanacho coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, securing a 3-2 shootout victory and a spot in the final for the Super Eagles.
The Weight of a Nation
Post-match, Iheanacho reflected on the enormity of the moment and the pressure that came with taking the decisive penalty. "I felt at that moment, I was carrying the hope of the nation on my shoulder.
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The penalty was either make or break but I thank God who made it possible for us to go through to the final," he said as reported by Allnigeriasoccer.
This statement not only highlighted his mental fortitude but also underscored the collective breath held by millions of Nigerians as he took that fateful kick.
Having battled with fitness issues since his last appearance for Leicester City on Boxing Day, Iheanacho's crucial involvement in AFCON 2023 marked a significant turnaround. As the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner gears up for his second AFCON final, the stakes couldn't be higher.
With the hopes of making history alongside his teammates, Iheanacho stands on the brink of immortalizing himself further in Nigerian football lore.
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