Ademola Lookman’s clinical brace sends Nigeria soaring into the AFCON quarterfinals with a dominant 2-0 victory over Cameroon.
The Super Eagles booked their flight to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in style, dispatching their old rivals Cameroon 2-0 at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan on Saturday night.
It was a dominant display from Nigeria, who created all the early pressure and were unlucky to see Semi Ajayi’s goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review. But the opening goal wouldn’t be long in coming.
In the 36th minute, Victor Osimhen’s tenacity won the ball off defender Oumar Gonzalez, and his perfectly weighted pass found Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta winger made no mistake, firing a low shot that Fabrice Ondoa could only parry over the line for 1-0.
Cameroon searched for a quick response, but the Nigerian defense held firm, and the teams went into the break with the Super Eagles in the ascendancy.
The second half saw Nigeria continue to press, with Lookman going close with a whipped free-kick that flew just over the bar. Cameroon brought on the experienced Vincent Aboubakar in search of an equalizer, but it was Nigeria who threatened again, with Ola Aina seeing his goal-bound effort heroically blocked by Tolo Nouhou.
Just as it seemed Cameroon might score a goal, the Super Eagles delivered the killer blow in the 90th minute. Calvin Bassey swung in a delightful cross, and Ademola Lookman was there to apply a clinical finish, securing a 2-0 victory and sending Nigeria into the last eight.
Star of the Show: Ademola Lookman was unplayable on the night, scoring both goals and causing Cameroon’s defense all sorts of problems. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement were the difference between the two sides.
Victor Osimhen performed exceptionally well and was difficult for the opposing team to handle or defend against. Osimhen’s skills and performance were so impressive that the opponents found it challenging or nearly impossible to effectively deal with him during the match.
Next Up: Nigeria will face Angola in the quarterfinals on Friday, February 2nd, at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
The Super Eagles will be looking to continue their march towards a fourth AFCON title, and with Lookman in this kind of form, they’ll be a tough team to beat.
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