Nigeria have set up a quarter-final date with Angola at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following their 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the last 16 round at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Saturday evening.
Angola earlier saw off neighbours Namibia with a 3-0 score-line and their last eight meeting with Nigeria is set for February 2 in Abidjan.
Meanwhile Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana again started on the Cameroon bench in a match some thought he could play a big role in.
The Super Eagles showed intention to score early on and had a goal ruled offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the opening 10 minutes. The side had won corner kick which Ademola Lookman whipped to Adesewo “Semi” Ajayi whose shot was pushed away by the goalkeeper.
The ball bounced back to Ajayi who scored but eventually it didn’t count. Nigeria who enjoyed more possession in the half did not put their foot off the pedal and were rewarded eight minutes to the break. Victor Osimhen set up Lookman who slipped the ball under Fabrice Ondoa’s body into the net.
The second half the five time champions created better chances to increase their lead. Lookman could have completed a brace 10 minutes into the stanza. Nigeria won a set-piece and the Atalanta winger hit it high over the bar.
Five minutes after the hour mark Cameroon had an opportunity to get back into the game with free-kick but nothing came from it. However, Nigeria made it 2-0 in the 90th minute with Lookman completing his brace to start wild celebrations.
Cameroon leave the tournament having conceded eight goals and scored five. This is a disappointing exit for the Indomitable Lions who reached the semi-finals at the last event and provided the tournament’s top goal scorer in Vincent Aboubaker on eight goals.
Nigeria finished the game without keeper Stanley Nwabali who has played in all their matches. The Chippa United man was stretchered off with an injury in the last 15 minutes of the match.
