The Africa Cup of Nations has hit a pivotal milestone with four teams left in the competition; it’s important to note that all four teams were not on the bookmakers’ list of potential semifinalists at the start of the tournament.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will square up against the Bafana-Bafana of South Africa; it is the rekindling of a seemingly one-sided rivalry but one with perilous implications; it is the battle of Afro-beats and the now-famous Amapiano; it’s a clash to relish.

The road to the semifinal for South Africa has been rough and tough, but to their credit, they defeated tournament favorite Senegal, and like Nigeria, they've yet to concede a goal in regulation time since their opening game against Mali.

South Africa beat Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties, with their goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saving four spot kicks in the shootout. They will have to be at their best to beat Nigeria, considering how solid the Super Eagles have become with each game.

Nigeria started on a poor note, forcing Equatorial Guinea to a 1-1 draw in their opening game, and then labor labored to a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau to finish second behind the National Thunder. The Jose Peseiro-led lads, however, upped their game in the knockout stage, beating Cameroon and Angola to reach the semis.

Both sides have been defensively strong, but attackingly, Nigeria poses the bigger threat. News of stomach trouble for Victor Osimhen has been cleared, with the Napoli man finally joining his teammates late on Thursday.

South Africa will rely on the trickery of Percy Tau and the industry of Themba Zwane and Evidence Makgopa to try to creep behind the Super Eagles defense, but they must watch their backs for the pacy Nigerian forwards.

Ademola Lookman has scored three times for the Super Eagles, and all his goals have come in the knockout stage. Moses Simon looks like a newborn on the left, while the quality of Osimhen, the African footballer of the year, cannot be denied.

The Bafana-Bafana will set up to defend; they will rely on their pacy wingers to attempt to catch Nigeria on the break; they can pick passes and are very good with long-range efforts; Stanley Nwabali will have it all to do with those scorchers.

In terms of depth, Kelechi Iheanacho is available for selection, and that will offer Nigeria a different option up front. The midfield battle will be key as both sides will rely on second balls from knockdowns. It's a game to look forward to.