It is finally happening for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations AFCON, after they secured their passage to last eight of the tournament thanks to a Ademola Lookman brace.
For the first time in four games, Jose Peseiro’s minions took the tie up like they mean it and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will have little complaints as they were second best on the night.
It was the third straight time that the Super Eagles have gotten the better of the Central African country in the AFCON and this time, Ademola Lookman’s brace was enough to separate the two sides.
Speaking on Friday night ahead of the AFCON round of 16 showdown; “I do not want to concede goals tomorrow. I want to score at least one. If we do this, we will win.”
Indeed, his men were able to equal and even surpass the expectation as they made Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions look like domesticated cats.
How it happened for the Super Eagles in Abidjan
Super Eagles started the game with more intention, albeit possession was even at the start. West Brom center back Semi Ajayi thought he had given the Eagles an early lead in the ninth minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Super Eagles continued to dominate with the better chances and were rewarded with the second goal of the night, and this one scored by Ademola Lookman counted to make it 1-0 Nigeria.
The goal was all about Victor Osimhen as the Super Eagles talisman pressed Cameroom defender Moumi Ngamaleu to win back possession in the final third.
The Napoli man showed great strength to get away and create space before teeing up Ademola Lookman for a one time finish, six minutes after the half-hour mark.
It was unfortunate for Cameroon Goalkeeper Francis Ondoa as the Nimes shotstopper covered huge ground to deny Ademola Lookman but the ball eventually passed between his body and ended in the back of the net.
Two minutes later, Frank Magri brilliant turn from a Oumar Gonzalez’s pass but William-Troost Ekong was up to the task. The Super Eagles captain did well to put his body on the line, denying what could have been a dangerous shot on goal.
Ademola Lookman finished off Indomitable Lions
At 1-0, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon still held the believe of an equalizer, albeit they were not creating that much danger to put the Super Eagles on their heels.
Ademola Lookman put the dagger through their hearts one minute into added time to kill off any hope of a Cameroon comeback and a place in the AFCON last eight.
The Atalanta forward fired home a one time shot following a low cross from Calvin Bassey on the left.It finished 2-0 to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who scored two for the first time in this AFCON, while also keeping a third straight clean sheet.
Up next for Jose Peseiro and his men in AFCON
Angola awaits in the AFCON quarter finals and a victory will see them extend their semi final appearance record to 16, which is the most in the history of the tournament.
1 Comment
Nigeria were really dominant. They fought and annihilated Cameron to the finish. I’m happy with their display but they actually need to improve in that midfield. Iwobi didn’t have a good game at all. Zaidu Sanusi struggled. I pray for Nwabali to come back stronger. Osimhen was also phenomenal yesterday.
For us to defeat Angola, we need to be more compact and not take any chances at all.