Nigeria confirms its status as favorite and qualifies for the semi-finals of CAN 2024 after its victory over Angola on Friday, thanks to a goal from Lookman (1-0). The Super Eagles will face the winner of South Africa – Cape Verde.
Published on : Modified :
3 mins
Nigeria, last of the favorites for this CAN 2024, facing Angola, the “sensation” team of this edition, promised a good showing, Friday February 2, for this first quarter-final of the African Cup of Nations.
Read alsoDiscover the quarter-final program
Two undefeated teams, with on one side, Angola, the best attack of the tournament, which counts in its ranks the best scorers still in the running, Gelson Dala (4 goals) and Mabululu (3 goals), and the best passer, Fredy (3 passes).
On the other side, Nigeria, the best defense in the competition but which plays with the best attack line on the continent: Victor OsimhenAdemola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.
On the pitch of the Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan, the duel kept all its promises… for 15 minutes. The Black Antelopes opened hostilities with a corner from Fredy deflected by Gilberto onto Mabululu. His point-blank shot is deflected by Nwabali with the tip of his gloves (5th). The game is lively, the ball is circulating, and Osimhen tries to launch Nigeria with an angry header, which goes just over (15th).
“Tactical” match
After that, there was little or nothing left to eat in the first period, except a header on target from Osimhen captured by Signorini (24th). What could be described as a “tactical” match, specialties of the Portuguese coaches at the head of each team. An extremely solid defense, causing a lot of technical waste for powerless attackers.
On the other hand, when they manage to find the fault, it’s quite beautiful to see: in a superb action on the left, Moses Simon drops Gaspar and crosses in front of the goal, where Osimhen diverts the attention of the defense. Lookman takes the opportunity to deceive Signorini with a powerful shot under the bar (1-0, 41st). The Antelopes finally wake up before the break, but to no avail.
With this advantage in the score, the Nigerians continued their undermining work in the second half, the fantastic four of the attack trying to wear down the Antelopes’ defense. But neither Sanusi (48th) nor Iwobi (51st) manage to get on target. Angola tried to react: Zini found a gap in the defense and went for goal, but his shot bounced off the post (60th). It’s poorly paid for the Black Antelopes, who seem to become discouraged as the minutes pass.
The Super Eagles ensure
The Super Eagles have this match in hand and are now looking to take cover. Simon’s festival right into the surface is blocked at the last minute by Gaspar (62nd). Sanusi’s free kick is captured by Signori (65th). Victor Osimhen finally thinks he can deliver his side by placing a header on a free kick from Lookman, but the goal of the African player of the year 2023 is ultimately refused for offside (75th).
Read alsoThe program for the CAN 2024 semi-finals
The end of the game is unbridled: Angola no longer has a choice and tries everything for everything. Which creates space for the Super Eagles, where Osimhen has fun. But despite the attempts on both sides, the score remains there. Nigeria, still undefeated, assumes its status as favorite and advances to the semi-final, where it will face the winner of South Africa – Cape Verde.
Read alsoFind the complete table of the final phase of CAN 2024
15 – Nigeria qualified for its 15th semi-final at the African Cup of Nations (5 at the end of the group stage, 10 after a quarter-final), more than any other nation (Egypt at 13). Great. pic.twitter.com/OuYO2clOxt
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) February 2, 2024