Keele's Nigerian students hope for Afcon glory

Members of Keele University's Afro-Caribbean Society gathered to watch Nigeria play South Africa in the semi-final

Nigerian students from a university said they were confident of Africa Cup of Nations glory after witnessing a rollercoaster semi-final.

The group from Keele University watched their national side win a penalty shootout and they will play Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday.

The students went through a range of emotions for the semi-final, from elation to despair to joy.

"We have to win at this point. We're so proud to be Nigerian," they said.

Afro-Caribbean Society president Shaun Omo said he had felt confident of his side's chances before the semi-final.

Nigeria went ahead but when a second goal was ruled out and a penalty then awarded to South Africa, Mr Omo said he could not bear to look.

"I can't watch that happen. I can't, I can't," he said.

"Once we scored the second goal, it was the confidence we needed and then boom, it gets revoked, they get a penalty and score," psychology and sociology student Daniella Olaloko said.

Society president Shaun Omo could not watch the late South Africa penalty being taken

Entering extra time and penalties, student social worker Success Eboye still had hope they could reach the final.

"We pray to God. We have faith in the penalties," he said.

When penalties were saved by Nigeria's goalkeeper, celebrations were sparked in the student union cafe.

"I didn't have faith at first but they had their head screwed on for the penalties," said mental health nursing student Paola Karikari.

The group sang and danced when the winning penalty was scored.

Daniella Olaloko watched nervously as the match went to penalties

William Troost-Ekong (centre) opened the scoring for Nigeria in the match

Nigeria have lifted the trophy three times, the last in 2013 and a win would equal the four victories of rivals Ghana.

When asked if their side could go all the way, the students were in agreement.

"We can't wait for the final. We have to win at this point. We're so proud to be Nigerian," they said.

The final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Sunday.

Watch live on BBC Three, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, listen to radio commentary on BBC World Service in Africa and follow text commentary online.

The Nigerian students celebrated in the student union after the winning penalty was scored