The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
A first-half goal from Ademola Lookman secured the spot for Nigeria in a 1-0 win over Angola at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Friday.
The performance against Angola was not identical to the complete domination of Cameroon in the quarter-final, but the Super Eagles did what was needed to push themselves closer to the AFCON trophy.
Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles head coach, retained his compact 3-4-3 formation with William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey to shield Stanley Nwabali in goal.
Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi started on the right and left flanks as wing-backs, while Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka combo slotted into the midfield.
Victor Osimhen led the attacking line with Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman on either side of his.
The biggest news before the match was Nwabali’s fitness. He was injured during the game against Cameroon, and there is concern about him featuring against Angola.
He passed a late fitness and was called into action a few minutes after the kickoff. Nwabali was alert to stop a close-range tap-in from Mabululu to save Nigeria from an early heartbreak.
It was all Nigeria from then on, and Osimhen was a perpetual aerial threat, forcing Signori Antonio, the Angolan goalkeeper, to early saves.
But in the 41st minute, the deadlock was finally broken. Moses Simon beat Gaspart with pace before setting up a clean cutback for Lookman at the edge of the box. The Atalanta striker dispatched the final shot into the roof of the net to send Nigeria ahead.
The strike was Lookman’s third goal of the tournament.
In the second half, Osimhen thought he had doubled Nigeria’s lead. He headed home from a Simon Moses cross. But the goal is ruled out for offside after VAR review.
Nigeria held on to a nervous lone-goal victory and will play the winners of the match between South Africa and Cape Verde in the semi-final.
PLAYER RATINGS
Stanley Nwabali, GK (4/5): The goalkeeper showed he was fit for the occasion with a second-minute save and continued his commandeering and assured presence. He made a vital save in the opening minutes of the game.
Ola Aina, WB (4/5): He was enterprising and joined the attack at every opportunity. His long throws were a menace.
Calvin Bassey, DC (4/5): He was solid as usual. He covered where necessary, and the timing was on point.
Semi Ajayi, DC (4/5): An unsung hero in the backline. Effective without the flair. It was a solid evening for the languid defender.
William Troost-Ekong, DC (4.5/5): He was rock solid again today, leading Nigeria to a fourth consecutive clean sheet. Arguably the best defender so far in AFCON.
Sanusi Zaidu, WB (3/5): He lacked decision-making and end product. However, his pass put Simon in space to assist Lookman’s goal.
Frank Onyeka, MC (4/5): He covered the entire midfield as usual. His energy kept the opponents on their toes and effectively screened the back three from getting overrun down the middle.
Alex Iwobi, MC (3.5/5): He attempted more forward runs in the game and connected defence to attack with his pass. Heid all the little things right as usual.
Moses Simon, WF (4/5): He was full of running. The skilful winger got it right with the assist and can bring more to the table with better decision-making.
Ademola Lookman, WF (4.5/5): The Atalanta forward used space well. A proven finisher of this side with well-timed runs. A stellar tournament so far.
Victor Osimhen, ST (4/5): Missed headers, but the striker is doing all the dirty, gritty work upfront. He showed intelligence by making the run that opened up the space from where Lookman struck. H scored a towering head but was chopped off for offside after a VAR review.
Substitutes
Alhassan Yusuf, MC (3/5): He maintained midfield solidity in his cameo.
Kenneth Omeruo, DC (3/5): He joined the most solid backline and contributed to another clean sheet.
Joe Aribo, MC (N/A): Late substitute with little time to impact the match.
Paul Onuachu, ST (3/5): He held the ball well to eat the minutes away.
Additional reporting by Jonathan Ledger
