On Friday, in Cote d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Angola to advance to the semi-finals of the ongoing 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup.
Ademola Lookman scored the lone goal in the 41st minute to give Nigeria the lead and the victory.
Amidst intense competition, Nigeria emerged victorious at the 33,000-capacity Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, thereby securing an esteemed position in the AFCON semi-finals.
The fiercely contested battle demonstrated the Nigerian team’s tenacity and strength, further solidifying their path to AFCON honors.
The teams exchanged four yellow cards, with the Palancas Negras receiving three and Nigeria receiving one.
Issa Sy, a referee from Senegal, blocked a 75th-minute header by Victor Osihmen, a striker for Napoli.
Osimhen, who had already scored once in the competition, doubled Nigeria’s advantage with his second goal.
The goal, nevertheless, was adjudicated offside following a review by the Video Assistant Referee.
The Nigerian team maintained its lead despite both teams missing opportunities.
Angola’s shot ricocheted off the post due to Alex Iwobi’s error.
The Super Eagles were defeated by the Palancas Negras, 52% to 48%, on 15 total strokes in the contest.
Additionally, with four attempts on target compared to three for the Nigerian team, they had the upper hand.
Each team contributed four off-target missiles to the total of eight for the day.
The Palancas Negras outperformed the Super Eagles by three corner kicks, playing seven as opposed to four.
Later in the game, Osimhen was replaced due to multiple infractions committed against the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.
The Angolans committed 18 fouls while the Nigerians committed 10.
The Peace Stadium in Bouake, with a capacity of 40,000, will host Nigeria on February 7, 2024, for the matchup between Cape Verde and South Africa that is scheduled for that day.
The AFCON competition started January 13 and will end February 11.