Nigeria’s Super Eagles Friday beat Angola 1-0 to qualify for the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations, in a game decided at theFelix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Ademola Lookman smashed in the only goal of the match in the 41st minute and it was enough to seal the fate of Angolans who came with the mind to cause an upset.But the Super Eagles proved unstoppable and continued in their dream of winning the title in Cote d’Ivoire.
Lookman now has three goals to his credit in the knockout stage. He joins other Nigerian greats Austin Okocha 2004 and Rashidi Yekini 1994 who had three goals in the knockout stages. In 2019 Odion Ighalo had four goals.
The Super Eagles the only African top five team still in the tournament were in total control of the game, and could have had a more rewarding scorline for their efforts, but Victor Osimhen’s looping header off a free kick was cruelly ruled offside in the 75th minute.
However, it was a fitting performance which the Nigerians fans would appreciate most especially in the second half where the Angolas pushed for the equaliser, but the Super Eagles defence marshal by William Troost Ekong stood their ground. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali who denied the Angolan a clear shot at goal in the first half refused to be cowed by the pressure.
Nigeria will now meet the winner of the game between Cape Verde and South Africa in the semi-final.
