APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday defeated the Lions of Cameroon 2-0 to qualify for the quarterfinals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
The entertaining match played by two African football giants at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan saw the Super Eagles take the lead in the 36th minute through Ademola Lookman, whose shot at goal from a perfect pass from Victor Osimhen beat the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
Despite being a goal ahead after an earlier goal scored by Semi Ajayi in the first 10 minutes of the match was ruled out for offside by the VAR, the statistics was in favour of the Super Eagles, which finished the first half with 1-0 score line.
However, in the 77th minute of the match, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwaballi, had to be stretchered off the field after a collision with the Cameroonian forward, was replaced by Francis Uzoho.
Lookman, who was the football player of the match, got his brace for Nigeria in the 90th minute to bring the score line to 2-0.
The efforts made by the Lions of Cameroon to score a consolation goal were frustrated by the watertight defence of the Super Eagles.
With this victory, the Super Eagles have qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to play the Giant Sable Antelope of Angola which defeated Namibia 3-0 in an earlier match played on Saturday. The quarterfinal match between Nigeria and Angola will be played at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, on Friday, February 2, 2024.
GIK/APA
Nigeria beat Cameroon 2-0 to qualify for AFCON quarterfinals
