Nigeria’s Super Eagles have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 1-0 victory over Angola at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The only goal of the game came from Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, who continued his impressive form at the tournament with his fourth goal in five matches.

Lookman, who switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2022, scored in the 41st minute after a brilliant run and cross from Moses Simon on the right flank. The 26-year-old volleyed the ball past Angola goalkeeper Signori with his left foot, sending the Nigerian fans into a frenzy.

Angola, who were playing in their first AFCON quarter-final since 2010, had a chance to equalize in the second half when Zini hit the post with a low shot after a through ball from Show. However, Nigeria held on to their slender lead and defended well to keep a clean sheet for the third consecutive game.

Nigeria, who are the favorites to win the continental title for the fourth time, will face the winner of the quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa in the semi-final on Wednesday. The Super Eagles have not reached the final since 2013 when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in South Africa.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr praised his players for their performance and said they were determined to make history. “I’m very proud of my team. They showed a lot of character and quality against a very good Angola side. We knew it would be a tough game, but we were focused and disciplined. We have a lot of respect for our opponents, but we also have a lot of ambition. We want to win this trophy for our country and our fans,” he said.

Angola coach Pedro Goncalves congratulated Nigeria and said his team had given their best. “We have to accept the result and congratulate Nigeria. They have a very strong team with a lot of experience and talent. We tried to play our game and create chances, but we were unlucky. We are proud of what we have achieved at this tournament. We have shown that we can compete with the best teams in Africa,” he said.

The 2023 AFCON, which is being hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time after 1984, has produced some thrilling matches and surprises. The defending champions Senegal were knocked out by the hosts in the round of 16, while Morocco and Algeria also exited at the same stage. The tournament, which was postponed from 2023 to 2024 due to concerns about the summer weather in Ivory Coast, will end on February 11 with the final at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

Source: BusinessDay