Ademola Lookman scored in back-to-back games at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 in Friday evening’s quarter-final clash at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.
The Super Eagles got the better of neighbours and rivals Cameroon in the round of 16 while the Black Antelopes thumped neighbours Namibia 3-0 to reach the last eight for the third time in their history.
Very little was created in the first half in Abidjan but the most notable moment came in the 41st minute when Ademola Lookman buried a brilliant low effort into the net after being nicely set up by Moses Simon.
It was the Atalanta man’s third goal of the AFCON knockout phase after his brace against Cameroon previously and became the fourth Nigerian to score three or more goals in this round of the continental showpiece after Odion Ighalo (four goals in 2019), Jay Jay Okocha (three goals in 2004) and Rashidi Yekini (three goals in 1994).
Angola came very close to leveling matters in the 59th minute but Zini’s effort hit the woodwork after he beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria had a good chance from a set piece situation five minutes later but Zaidu Sanusi’s freekick was easily saved by Angola goalkeeper Signori Antonio.
Reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen thought he had scored his first goal of the tournament after heading in the 75th minute from a freekick but it was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
The Napoli man had another opportunity five minutes later from a good counter attack but the ball was blocked before he could make an attempt.
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???????? The Super Eagles put their feet into the semi-finals! ✨#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/2RPTpHSmJC
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 2, 2024
Nigeria will get to face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa in the last four.
This report is so sweet! I dont agree with the VAR check tho, they only got jealous of our win obviously. But it is what it is, a WIN is a WIN…. Great job bruh