Abidjan, Ivory Coast: The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a convincing 2-0 win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday, January 28, 2024. The match was played at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
The star of the show was Ademola Lookman, who scored both goals for Nigeria in the 36th and 90th minutes. The Atalanta winger showed his quality and composure in front of goal, as he capitalized on the mistakes of the Cameroonian defense and goalkeeper.
A brace from forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen sent the passionate Nigerian contingent at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium into raptures, silencing the roar of the Indomitable Lions' supporters.
Chukwueze opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, latching onto a precise cross from Moses Simon and firing a low shot past Andre Onana into the Cameroonian net. The goal sparked a wave of ecstatic celebrations, a sign of the immense pressure released after a tense opening half.
The first goal came after a brilliant interception by Victor Osimhen, who robbed Oumar Gonzalez of the ball and played a diagonal pass to Lookman, who fired a low shot that slipped through the hands of Fabrice Ondoa. The second goal was a result of a swift counter-attack, as Alex Iwobi released Calvin Bassey on the right flank, who crossed the ball to Lookman, who slotted it home from close range.
The Super Eagles had a goal disallowed in the ninth minute, when Semi Ajayi headed in a corner from Lookman, but the referee ruled it out for offside after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The Indomitable Lions tried to respond, but they lacked the creativity and firepower to trouble the Nigerian defence, which was well marshalled by stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong. The closest they came was a volley by Frank Magri in the 16th minute, which went over the bar.
The Super Eagles continued to dictate the tempo in the second half, and Osimhen put the game beyond doubt in the 72nd minute. The Napoli striker rose highest to meet a delightful free-kick delivery from Kelechi Iheanacho, powering a towering header past Onana to seal the win.
Cameroon, despite boasting stars like Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Their attacks were often disjointed and lacked the bite to trouble the resolute Nigerian defense.
The only sour note for Nigeria was the injury to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had to be replaced by Francis Uzoho in the 80th minute, after colliding with Georges-Kevin N'Koudou. The extent of his injury is not yet known, but he will be hoping to recover in time for the next match.
With this win, Nigeria finished top of Group C with nine points, while Cameroon came second with six points. The Super Eagles will face Angola in the quarter-finals on February 2, while the Indomitable Lions will take on Senegal.
This victory marks a significant statement for the Super Eagles, silencing doubters and proving their title credentials. They will now face Angola in the quarterfinals, aiming to continue their flight towards ultimate AFCON glory.
Match Highlights:
Man of the Match: Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)
Goalscorers:
Nigeria: Samuel Chukwueze (32'), Victor Osimhen (72')
Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia)
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