AFCON 2023: 5 interesting facts about Nigeria’s 2-0 win against Cameroon

Nigeria’s defender #6 Semi Ajayi (CL) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal which was later disallowed after a VAR review during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Cameroon at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 27, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions to progress into the quarter-finals of the AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire.

A brace from Ademola Lookman helped the three-time AFCON winners progress where they will face Angola on Friday.

Meanwhile, here are five interesting facts to know about the Eagles win against Cameroon.

Super Eagles avenged defeat to Cameroon at the same venue 40 year ago
Nigeria and Cameroon clashed in the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations held in Côte d’Ivoire.

The venue for the 1984 final was Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan which saw Cameroon come from behind to win 3-1 and claim their first-ever AFCON title.

On Saturday, the two teams met in the round of 16 inside the same stadium where they met in 1984, this time the Eagles emerged 2-0 winners thanks to Ademola Lookman’s double.

Super Eagles beat Cameroon by two-goal margin for the first time at the AFCON

Prior to the game on Saturday, the Eagles had beaten Cameroon three times at the AFCON.

The first time the Eagles beat Cameroon at the AFCON was the third-placed playoff in 1992 which ended 2-1.

In the quarter-finals in 2004 a Austin Okocha-led side triumphed over Cameroon 2-1 and at the 2019 round of 16 fixture the Eagles won 3-2.

But Saturday’s game saw the Eagles claim a 2-0 win, making it the first time they will beat Cameroon by a two-goal scoreline at the AFCON.

First clean sheet for Super Eagles