Super Eagles’ 1-0 defeat of the Black Antelopes of Angola in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire has booked Nigeria a place in the semi-final.
Ademola Lookman’s goal in the 41st minute of the game gave Nigeria the lead in the action- and tension-soaked game played before a crowd of 18,757 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Victor Osimhen had Nigeria’s first real opportunity midway through the first half but his header was too close to Angola keeper Antonio Dominique.
Nigeria had better chances in the second half with Zaidu Sanusi and Alex Iwobi missing with their shots and Simon cutting inside again to set up a chance but having his effort blocked.
It was a frustrating night for African Footballer of the Year Osimhen who headed home a 75th-minute free kick but it was disallowed after a VAR check.
Five minutes later he was put through by Lookman but delayed his effort and got dispossessed by the Angolan defence.
Angola had their chances, notably hitting the woodwork through substitute Zini in the 59th minute as he was put through by a clever defence-splitting pass, but Nigeria proved the superior side.
The Black Antelopes almost took the lead inside four minutes, as a corner from their right was helped on to Mabululu, whose attempt at the near-post was kept out by Stanley Nwabili, the Nigerian goalkeeper who had passed a fitness test to play.
The Angolans, who have never been further than the last eight in previous Cup of Nations tournaments, came close to the lead inside four minutes.
A corner was flicked on at the near post and Mabululu saw his shot from two yards brilliantly saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili.
