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Ademola Lookman scored twice to send the Super Eagles of Nigeria into the quarterfinals of the AFCON 2023 tournament after a well-deserved 2-0 win against Cameroon, NRTC reports.
The Nigerian side thought they had taken an early lead when Semi Ajayi’s deflected goal was chalked off for offside after a VAR review.
Jose Peseiro’s men pushed forward in their numbers, transitioning beautifully from midfield to attack. Cameroon resisted as much as they could but the energy, pace and press of Victor Osimhen was too much for the Indomitable Lions to handle.
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Cameroon went behind in the 36th minute when Osimhen chased and caught up with a defender, intercepting the ball in the process. The Napoli striker then beautifully set up Lookman whose low shot hit the keeper before rolling into the net.
Osimhen’s press and energy coupled with his brilliant pass to create that goal shows why many – home and abroad – love him so much.
He once again demonstrated how important he is to the Nigeria national football team set up.
Nigeria picked up from where they left in the first half after the restart. Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka proved strong and innovative in midfield.
Moses Simon’s pace and trickiness on the flank was vital while Lookman showed tenacity and technicality against the Cameroonians.
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Nigeria into last eight
The Indomitable Lions had a few attacking forays but could not produce anything substantial as Nigeria’s defence stood solid.
Despite the introduction of inspirational leader Vincent Aboubakar, Cameroon toiled in vain against the three-time winners.
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was injured after a collision and was replaced by Francis Uzoho in the 80th minute.
On the stroke of 90 minutes, a string of sleek passes saw Calvin Bassey execute a great cross from the left into the box as Lookman, yet again, met the ball and directed it into the back of the net, albeit a deflection off Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa.
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Nigeria had beaten Cameroon 3-2 at this same stage of the AFCON 2019 tournament.
The Super Eagles will now face Angola in the quarterfinals on Friday, 2 February, 2024. Angola had beaten Namibia 3-0 in their last 16 encounter earlier on Saturday.
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