On Friday, the Nigerian Super Eagles beat Angola to advance to the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup (AFCON) semi-final game in Cote d’Ivoire.
A lone goal from Ademola Lookman in the 41st minute gave Nigeria the lead and victory in the AFCON semi-finals.
In a highly contested match at the 33,000-capacity Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Nigeria emerged victorious, securing a coveted spot in the AFCON semi-finals.
The keenly fought battle showcased the Nigerian team’s resilience and prowess, solidifying their journey towards AFCON glory.
Four yellow cards were in between the team, with the Palancas Negras getting three and Nigeria getting one.
The Senegalese referee, Issa Sy, overruled a 75th-minute header from Napoli striker Victor Osihmen.
Osimhen, who had one goal so far at the tournament, scored his second and doubled Nigeria’s lead.
The goal was, however, ruled an offside after a check by the Video Assistant Referee.
The Nigerian team held on to the lead, despite missed chances from both sides.
Angola had a ball ricocheted off the post after a blunder from Alex Iwobi.
There were 15 total shots in the game that had the Palancas Negras edge the Super Eagles by 52 per cent to 48.
Also, they had better shots on target, having four while the Nigerian team had three.
Eight of the shots were off-target, with both sides having four each.
The Palancas Negras were three corner kicks better, playing seven, while the Super Eagles played four.
Osimhen had to be replaced after several fouls on the 2023 CAF men’s player award winner.
The Angolans fouled 18 times, and the Nigerian team, 10.
AFCON semi-finals
Nigeria will, on February 7, 2024, be at the 40,000-capacity Peace Stadium in Bouake to face the winner of Cape Verde vs. South Africa, to be played on Saturday off the AFCON semi-finals.
The AFCON tournament runs from January 13 until February 11.
