CAPE TOWN MIRACLE: NIGERIA ZOOM INTO CHAN SEMI-FINAL

Abdulbakar Ibrahim’s extra time goal capped a remarkable comeback from three goals down to see Nigeria through the African Nations Championship semi-final after seeing off a shell-shocked Moroccan side.

Morocco looked set to coast into the last four after three goals in the first half and a defensive meltdown from Nigeria, left them with what appeared to be an unassailable lead.

Their opening goal involved Abdelkadir El Ouadi who laid the ball to Mouhssine Moutouali who slipped the ball past Chizogie Agbim on 33 minutes.

With Nigeria reeling, their opponents nabbed a second goal thanks to Mouhssine Iajour’s low free kick from the edge of the area.

The Eagles hopes seemed over when El Ouadi again linked up with Moutouali, before the winger unleashed a low drive beyond Agbim.

However, the half-time break seemed to re-energise Nigeria and Ugonna Uzochukwu pulled a goal back within four minutes of the restart.

On 55 minutes, Uzochukwu turned provider when he headed down a cross for Kabiu Ali, who rifled the ball home to give the Super Eagles hope of an unlikely comeback.

Their equaliser came in dramatic fashion when, with the clock of 90 minutes, Ejike Uzoenyi picked the ball on the edge of the area and, after beating two players, unleashed a fierce shot that hit the underside of the bar and nestled in the back of the net.

After forcing an extra time, Uzoenyi continued to threaten the Moroccan defence, seeing one shot saved and providing a chance for Ali in the first period.

However, Nigeria’s winning goal came with eight minutes left as Uzoenyi’s cross was horribly spilled by keeper Nadir Lamyaghri and fell into the path of Ibrahim and, from two yards, had gifted Nigeria a place in the last four.

They await the winners of the Ghana v DR Congo quarter-final match to know their next opponents.