By Samuel A. January 28, 2024
The Nigeria Super Eagles advanced to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after earning a 2-0 win over Cameroon. Ademola Lookman was the man to seal the spot in the last eight, as his goals in each half of the game – early in the match and late in the contest earned Nigeria the win.
Cameroon were unable to find a way past the Nigeria defence, as Nigeria kept their attack at bay to secure the win and keep hopes of AFCON glory alive.
The ‘Indomitable Lions’ survived an early scare when Semi Ajayi’s effort was chalked off having been deemed to be offside by VAR. They weren’t as lucky as earlier in the 36th-minute, when Lookman was played through by Victor Osimhen and his shot squeezed through goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa, who was surprisingly picked to start ahead of Manchester United’s Andre Onana.
Inspired by the lively Osimhen, Nigeria continued to create chances after chances even in the second half. Ademola Lookman’s initial opportunity to seal the game was agonizingly whistled over the bar from a set piece situation, but he made no mistake in the final minute of regular time as he slotted home from a sumptuous Calvin Bassey’s cross to seal the victory and send them to the quarterfinal.
Everything was close to perfect on the night, but an injury to the first choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali – who did not have a save to make before his departure in the 75th minute – slightly soured the night for Peseiro’s side.
AFCON 2021 Golden Boot winner, Vincent Aboubakar was introduced for his first appearance of the tournament but with just over 10 minutes of normal time remaining, as the striker failed to have any influence.
Nigeria can now look forward to a meeting with Angola after the series of last 16 games are over.
