Credit: Punchng.Com
Nigeria has advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following a slender 1-0 victory against a determined Angola team. The three-time former champions secured their place in the final four courtesy of Ademola Lookman’s goal in the first half. Despite Angola hitting the post in the second half, they couldn’t find the back of the net, concluding an otherwise impressive tournament for them.
Ademola Lookman netted the decisive goal, propelling Nigeria past Angola and securing a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals. The Atalanta winger found the back of the net four minutes before halftime in Abidjan, capitalizing on Moses Simon’s cross and setting up a clash with either Cape Verde or South Africa in the next round.
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Angola, aiming for their first-ever semifinal appearance, started brightly but faced disappointment when Stanley Nwabali denied Mabululu’s close-range volley in the fourth minute. Nigeria took the lead in the 41st minute as Simon eluded Kialonda Gaspar’s challenge, delivering a precise cross for Lookman to score.
Despite Angola’s nearly immediate response, with Zine’s shot hitting the post just before the hour mark, VAR disallowed Victor Osimhen’s header for offside. The Super Eagles maintained their defensive resilience, securing a place in the semifinals.
As the highest-ranked team remaining in the competition, Nigeria, with three previous titles, showcased their ability to handle the favorites’ role, clinching a hard-fought victory. The trio of Lookman, Simon, and Osimhen proved dangerous in attack, while their solid defensive performance marked a fourth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations match without conceding. Champions in 1980, 1994, and 2013, Jose Peseiro’s team heads into the semifinals with a plethora of positives to build upon.
What are your impressions of Super Eagles’ victory over Angola yesterday?
