Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023 semifinals with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Angola at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Friday night with Lookman Ademola stealing the spotlight once again and setting new landmark.
In a match marked by intense moments, Lookman Ademola’s decisive goal in the 40th minute propelled the Super Eagles to their first AFCON semifinal since 2019, Footballrover reports.
The 26-year-old forward registered his name in history, becoming the fourth Nigerian to score three or more goals in the knockout stages of a single AFCON edition, joining the esteemed ranks of Odion Ighalo, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Rashidi Yekini.
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Despite early pressure from Angola, Nigeria showcased their prowess, with Lookman converting a precise setup from Moses Simon.
Lookman’s clinical finish mirrored the brilliance displayed by legends Okocha and Yekini in past AFCON tournaments.
The second half saw both teams eager for opportunities, with Nigeria maintaining their momentum.
Victor Osimhen’s disallowed goal added to the drama, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Nigeria’s defence held strong against Angola’s late attempts, including a close call that saw the ball strike the post.
The Super Eagles showcased resilience, with goalkeeper Nwabali and the defensive line ensuring their lead remained intact.
As the final whistle blew, Nigeria celebrated their hard-fought victory, setting the stage for a tantalising semifinal clash.
FT in Abidjan. We are in the semis pic.twitter.com/gDsxOssj4T
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 2, 2024
The Super Eagles are now poised to face the winner between Cape Verde and South Africa, with expectations soaring as they aim to secure their place in the AFCON final.
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