The Super Eagles triumphed with a 2-0 win over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions on Saturday, securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Ivory Coast, according to Sunday PUNCH reports.
Following this victory, Nigeria is set to face Angola in the quarterfinals on February 2, aiming to clinch their fourth continental title after previous triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
The highly anticipated clash between the old rivals unfolded as the Super Eagles outclassed their eastern neighbors with a convincing victory in Abidjan.
Although the Indomitable Lions had the first attempt with Moumi Ngamaleu’s early effort in the third minute, it was Nigeria that responded with vigor. Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Player of The Year, made notable attempts in the fourth minute, but the Eagles faced a setback with a controversially disallowed goal in the ninth minute, ruled out for offside after VAR consultation.
However, Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 36th minute as Osimhen’s strength and awareness allowed Ademola Lookman to score with a diagonal shot, giving Nigeria the lead. The Eagles continued to apply pressure, and Lookman secured his second goal just before the 90th minute mark, sealing the 2-0 victory.
The match featured several key moments, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s request for a substitution after a collision, Francis Uzoho’s entry into the game, and Lookman’s impressive performance.
The result gives the Super Eagles an advantage over the Indomitable Lions, marking their fourth AFCON win in eight meetings, while Cameroon has three victories, with one game drawn. The stage is set for an exciting quarterfinal clash against Angola.