EROMOSELE OMOIKE
The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat the Palancas Negras of Angola to advance to the semi-finals of the ongoing 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire on Friday.
A lone goal from Ademola Lookman in the 41st minute gave Nigeria the lead and victory into the AFCON semi-finals.
In a highly contested match at the 33,000-capacity Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Nigeria emerged 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 teams, with the Palancas Negras getting three and Nigeria, one.
Senegalese referee, Issa Sy, overruled a 75th-minute header from Napoli striker and CAF African Player of The Year, Victor Osihmen.
Osimhen, who has one goal so far in the tournament, scored a beautiful header which was parried into the net by the Angolan keeper. VAR had to come into play and the goal was subsequently ruled for a marginal offside.
The Nigerian team held on to the lead though there were missed chances from both sides.
The Angolans hit the upright, which could have led to an equaliser in the second half after Alex Iwobi lost the ball in midfield. This was the closest they came to scoring on the night.
There were 15 total shots in the game that had the Palancas Negras edged the Super Eagles on 52 per cent to 48 per cent in terms of possession stats.
Also, they had better shots on target, having four while the Nigerian team had three.
Eight of the shots were off target with both sides having four each.
The Palancas Negras were three corner kicks better, playing seven, while the Super Eagles played four.
Osimhen had to be substituted later on after several fouls were committed against the 2023 CAF men’s player award winner.
The Angolans fouled 18 times in the game and the Nigerian team, 10.
AFCON semi-finals
Nigeria will, on February 7, 2024, be at the 40,000-capacity Peace Stadium in Bouake to face the winner of Cape Verde vs. South Africa, to be played on Saturday in the AFCON semi-finals.
The AFCON tournament runs from January 13 until February 11.
