Key stats NGA v RSA: Nwabali most clearances; Lookman dirtiest player; Onyeka top interceptor; Chukwueze top dribbler

Nigeria sealed their spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final after beating South Africa through penalty kicks in a dramatic encounter on Wednesday evening. 

Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring from the spot after the hour mark but Bafana Bafana found an equalizer right at the death through Teboho Mokoena to force the game to extra time and then penalties.

Allnigeriasoccer.com looks at the key statistics from the win against South Africa. 

With a game-high six fouls committed, winger Ademola Lookman, who was also tasked with defensive duties, was the dirtiest player on parade at Stade de la Paix, Bouaké. 

The Atalanta star also showed the offensive side of his game with a game-high four key passes, one more than South Africa's poster boy Percy Tau. 

Left wing-back Ola Aina saw the ball more than the rest of his teammates, finishing with a team-high 69 touches, 31 less than the stat leader in that category, South Africa's maestro Teboho Mokoena.

Victor Osimhen and Semi Ajayi led the way for most aerial duels (4) and the reigning African Footballer of the Year, as expected, registered the most shots (5). 

Frank Onyeka was the top interceptor with four and won a team-high three fouls, two less than South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Mokoena. 

When it came to clearances, Stanley Nwabali showcased his sweeper keeper abilities by registering a game-high four clearances, level with Bafana Bafana duo Mothobi Mvala and Evidence Makgopa.

There was a three way tie for the top dribbler, with Samuel Chukwueze, Osayi-Samuel and Khuliso Mudau completing three take-ons each. 

Ajayi's five tackles was the most by a Super Eagles defender, one less than South Africa's Aubrey Modiba.

Taking into account only the players that started the game, South Africa defender Siyanda Xulu was the most accurate passer, competing 93.8 percent of his passes. 

Bright Osayi-Samuel was the top ranked Super Eagles player in that category having completed 91.2 percent of his passes. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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