The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat Angola to advance into the semi-finals game of the ongoing 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup in Cote d’Ivoire on Friday.
A lone goal from Ademola Lookman in the 41st minute gave Nigeria the lead and victory.
In a highly contested match at the 33,000-capacity Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Nigeria emerge victorious, securing a coveted spot in the AFCON semi-finals.
The keenly fought battle showcased the resilience and prowess of the Nigerian team, solidifying their journey towards AFCON glory.
Four yellow cards were in between the team, with the Palancas Negras getting three and Nigeria, one
The Senegalese referee, Issa Sy overruled a 75th minute header from Napoli striker, Victor Osihmen.
Details later
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90+2 We are into seven additional minutes
86′ Four minutes before the end of regulation’s time. Nigeria leads by an Ademola Lookman goal in the first half.
85′ Another sub for Nigeria. Frank Onyeka is off for Joe Aribo
81′ So close to 2-0! Lookman dallies freeing Osimhen on the counter and the striker does so well to keep the chance alive but is eventually blocked.
79′ Nigeria makes their first change. Alhassan Yusuf comes in for Alex Iwobi
75′ Oh wait, we’re headed for VAR! Osimhen is marginally offside. It won’t count.
GOOAAAAAAAL!!!!!! Osimhen scores!!!!!!
73′ Another yellow card for Angola.
71′ Yellow card for Kialonda Gaspar for a challenge on Osimhen.
70′ Nigeria defending too deep now.
66′ Two changes for Angola. Bruno Paz replacing Fredy and Zito Luvumbo is in for Gilberto
61′ Moses Simon beats two men on the left but couldn’t get his curler in.
59′ OFF THE POST! Paciência slipped in behind but could only hit the post. Nigeria clear and then deal with the resulting corner well.
57 ‘ Osimhen attempts an overhead kick following a spot of head tennis after a corner but Angola clear.
54′ Bassey challenges Mbalulu down the left, the referee awards a free kick for Angola. Bassey picks the game’s first yellow card.
51′ Simon’s cutback is just not quite enough for Osimhen to latch onto.
50′ Osimhen suffers a knock. He’s been attended to by the medics. He’s back on the pitch though.
48′ Nigeria still coming forward. Zaidu Sanusi gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.
46′ SECOND HALF starts.
HALF TIME!!! Nigeria leads Angola 1-0 in Abidjan thanks to an Ademola Lookman sublime finish.
45′ Three minutes have been added as additional time.
41′ Moses Simon beats his man on the left. Perfectly lays it for Ademola Lookman who wasted no time scoring. Nigeria leads 1-0.
GOOOOAAAAAAAAAL!!!! Nigeria scores
36′ Aina’s dangerous throw-in from the right troubles the Angolan defence but Osimhen could only direct his header wide.
35′ We are back again. The Eagles still finding it hard to break the resolute defence
COOLING BREAK! We are into half an hour mark. Still goalless in Abidjan.
23′ An inch-perfect cross from Simon on the right to Osimhen but the Angolan goalkeeper calmly picks the resulting header.
17′ Aina shackled down for a free kick to Nigeria.
16′ Super Eagles gradually finding their rhythm. Osimhen earlier had his dumping header over the post.
08′ Lookman crowded out when having a shot after a nice cross from Simon.
07′ Iwobi whips in a cross to find Osimhen but the Angolan defender clears it for a corner kick.
04’ Fantastic safe by Nwabali to deny Mabululu at point blank. The Angolans starting to turn on the heat early in the game
KICK OFF! Nigeria gets us underway
