Aina: Nigeria primed and ready for South Africa semi-final showdown

Nigeria defender Ola Aina says the Super Eagles are fully focused and prepared for their huge TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa on Wednesday.

The Torino full-back believes coach Jose Peseiro has struck the right balance to ensure the team peak at the right time in their pursuit of a fourth African crown. 

"Myself and my teammates are ready for this challenge," Aina told reporters ahead of the last four clash.

"The coach is hard on us when he needs to be, and lenient when he needs to be - there's a good balance to help us progress."

Nigeria are now entirely fixated on overcoming a buoyant South Africa side to book their place in Sunday's final.

"The focus is solely on the South Africa game and getting the job done," Aina stated.

"It's a massive match with so much at stake, including qualification for the 2023 AFCON final."

Nigeria are aiming to reach the showpiece event for the 10th time as they look to add to their titles from 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Peseiro's side edged past Cameroon and then Angola in the knockout rounds and appear to be building momentum.

But Bafana Bafana represent their sternest test yet after knocking out favourites Morocco and Cape Verde.

Aina is confident Nigeria have prepared meticulously and will embrace the high stakes when the rivals collide at Stade de la Paix in Bouake.