As Nigeria prepare to face South Africa in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday, defender Ola Aina says the Super Eagles are ready for the big occasion.

The Torino star credits coach Jose Peseiro for finding the optimal mix of discipline and flexibility to help the team reach their peak in their quest for a fourth continental trophy.

“Myself and my teammates are ready for this challenge,” Aina said to the media before the crucial match.

“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 have their eyes set on defeating a spirited South Africa team and securing a spot in Sunday’s final.

“The focus is solely on the South Africa game and getting the job done,” Aina declared.

“It’s a massive match with so much at stake, including qualification for the 2023 AFCON final.”

Nigeria are looking to make it to the grand finale for the 10th time and add to their previous glory from 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Peseiro’s men overcame Cameroon and Angola in the knockout stages and seem to be gaining confidence.

But they will face their toughest challenge yet against Bafana Bafana, who stunned favourites Morocco and Cape Verde.

Aina is optimistic that Nigeria have done their homework and will rise to the occasion when they meet their rivals at Stade de la Paix in Bouake.