The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a spot in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-3 penalty shoot out win over South Africa in the semi final after both teams stayed tied at 1-1 after extra time, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Stanley Nwabali was the hero for the Nigerian team stopping two penalties during the shoot out, but the manner which the Nigerian players took their kicks bar Ola Aina who missed also played a huge role in the win.
One of the players who stood out was Kenneth Omeruo who was introduced in the final seconds of extra time. He left Ronwen Williams the hero of South Africa who stopped four penalty kicks in the quarter final stranded.
Speaking after the game, the Kasimpasa of Turkey defender who will likely be playing in his second Africa Cup of Nations final game, after taking part in the 2013 edition revealed how the decision for him to come on was reached and explained why he took his penalty the way he did.
*It’s the way I take my penalty. Right from when we made it to the second round we have been practicing everyday in training and I am one of the guys who always score. So the coach put me in and said are you going to take the penalty or not? I said I will take, I will take and to God be the glory I didn’t disappoint”, he said at the mixed zone.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
