Lookman is hero as Eagles fly into semi-final

Nigeria’s forward #18 Ademola Lookman (L) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Nigeria’s forward #9 Victor Osimhen 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)

Beat Angola 1-0
True to their pre-match boast, the Super Eagles of Nigeria did their talking inside the pitch, yesterday, beating a resilient Palancas Negras of Angola with a lone strike by Ademola Lookman. The victory took Nigeria into the semifinal of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

After his double against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the last 16, the winger came to Nigeria’s rescue once again to hand the Eagles the semifinal ticket, which has now put them on course for a first title since South Africa 2013 edition.

Lookman struck in the 41st minute after a true pass from danger man, Moses Simon. The winger, Simon, followed a counter-attack move that split the Angolan defence.

In the second half, Victor Osimhen’s firm header from Ademola Lookman’s free-kick was palmed into the net by Angola goalkeeper Dominique, but the striker, who had taken his mask off and raced away to celebrate, was adjudged to have been fractionally offside following a VAR check.

The victory is Nigeria’s 16th time in the semi-finals. The Super Eagles have thus ensured that they score in every match and can boast of one of the best defence in the tournament having conceded just one goal.

The victory means Nigeria will face the winner of the quarter-final match between Cape Verde and South Africa on February 7 by 6pm at the Stade de la Paix, Bouaké

Credit must go to Angolan players, who have played a splendid