AFCON 2024: Nigeria Advance To Semi-final After Angola Defeat

 

Nigeria have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 AFCON Cup and have knocked out Angola after defeating side by 1-0 in the quarter-finals. 

The Super Eagles moved ahead in the lead with the opening goal from Ademola Simon, who guided a superb side-footed shot into the back of the net following a cut-back from Moses Simon. 

Hence, the Eagles kept a defence approach for much of the game, and Victor Osimhen later got a glance header into the net, but was ruled out for being in an offside position. The offence was marginal but the referee found it to be enough to call off the goal. 

For Lookman, with three goals scored so far this tournament, he has now joined the list of Nigerian players who scored three or more goals in a single AFCON tournament. He follows players like Jay Jay Okocha and Rashidi Yekini. 

Also, Simon's assist happened to be his second of the tournament - his first was in the second goal scored by Lookman in the Super Eagles' 2-0  win against Cameroon in the Last 16 of the 2024 AFCON Cup. 

Angola have now been eliminated from the tournament as Nigeria will progress to the semi-final in the quest for their four AFCON trophy. 

Quick Overview 

An interesting game from the start with a lot caution from both sides and some sense of offensive approach from the Nigerian side. Much of the game saw the Super Eagles initially going for the attack, which paid off with Lookman's opener from Simon's fast break but they recoiled deep into their halve afterwards. 

Troost-Ekong remained strongly effective at the centre-back and a real motivation for Super Eagles as the captain. However, the centre midfielder was not been effective enough with Alex Iwobi, which would have effectively help Osimhen the needed ball to penetrate the Angolan defence with. Angola have not been doing too bad only that their attackers, Gelson Dala and Mabaluku were closely watched by the Eagles. 

Excellent goalkeeping from Stanley Nwabili with a delightful save of Mabalulu's tap from close range earlier into the game. Playing defensive while relying on the counter with Osimhen at the front supported by Lookamn worked out for the side against the Angolans, who can be dangerous if allowed with pockets of chances.