The Nigerian team, coached by José Peseiro, secured a place in the final of the African Cup of Nations by beating South Africa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time and extra time.
Peseiro, 63, led the ‘Green Eagles’ to the final of the continental tournament, marking his place at the top of African soccer after 11 years.
Without Zaidu due to injury, Nigeria scored first from the penalty spot in the 67th minute through PAOK’s William Troost-Ekong.
At the end of regulation time, Teboho Mokoena equalized, also from the penalty spot.
They will now face Côte d’Ivoire in the final, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2013. That year, they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 to win their third CAN in history.
