Nigeria is in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. This Saturday evening, the Super Eagles won in one of the shocks of these round of 16 against Cameroon with a score of 2 goals to 0.
Ademola Lookman gave his people victory by scoring a double. Nigeria therefore continues its journey in this CAN 2024 and will face Angola, victorious against Namibia (3-0) for a place in the last four of the competition.
For Cameroon, it is a big disappointment and a premature elimination. During the last edition in 2021, the Indomitable Lions reached the semi-final. This time, the adventure ends in the eighth. Decisions could be taken in the coming days within the Cameroonian Federation.
Clinical and more enterprising Super Eagles
In history, all meetings between Nigeria and Cameroon have been hotly contested and indecisive. This Saturday evening in Abidjan, nothing changed. Nigerian and Cameroonian gave everything to gain the upper hand over their opponent from the start of the match.
More enterprising, the Super Eagles started the game strong by putting a lot of pressure on Rigobert Song’s players.
From the 9th minute of play, José Peseiro’s men thought they could open the score. Semi Ajayi receives a ball in the area before propelling it with his left foot into the back of the net. However, this was refused by the referee for an offside position.
The two teams neutralized each other overall in this first act before Victor Osimhen took advantage of an error by the Cameroonian defense. The African Ballon d’Or stole the ball from the feet of Oumar Gonzalez. The Naples player subsequently found Ademola Lookman in the area who scored with his right foot, although his shot was blocked by Ondoa (1-0, 36th).
A second act committed but well managed by Nigeria
Upon returning from the locker room, both teams left with the same intentions. The Cameroonians who had possession of the ball never really managed to worry the Nigerian rearguard who was more than solid (zero shots on target for the Lions). Led by an excited and determined Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles neutralized Zambo Anguissa’s partners.
Despite the insistence of the Indomitable Lions with the ball, Nigeria will crucify and extinguish all Cameroonian hopes at the end of the match. Ademola Lookman appeared in the area following a cross to the near post from the left side by Calvin Bassey. The Atalanta striker cut the trajectory of the center with his right foot to deceive Ondoa (2-0, 90th).
