The 1st quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Angola at Abidjan's Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny (Felicia) went in the Super Eagles' favor. They won a controlled match, dominating from start to finish with a score of 1-0.
One of the surprises of the AFCON, Angola's adventure came to an end in the quarter-finals. This was the fault of Nigeria, who took the match by the scruff of the neck. The team controlled the match almost from start to finish, while Angola seemed to lack inspiration in the face of Nigeria's good tactical disposition. Getting back to the game, Nigeria showed their intentions right from the start with an initial combination that resulted in a shot being saved. Angola responded by showing that they, too, were determined to win the match. After a long phase of possession, leading to a corner, Mabululu almost scored with a shot that was miraculously saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Nwabali (3rd min).
The pace of the match then slowed down, with Nigeria in control of the tempo and possession, but with a game that was too easy to read in the last 25 meters to catch the regrouped and concentrated Angolan defense off guard. The few clear-cut chances that followed were the work of Osimhen, who was very willing to play in this match, with a number of off-the-ball moves to get up the Nigerian block. His first chance came in the 14th minute when he headed over. It was Nigeria's 1st shot of the match. Angola, entrenched at the back, made their presence felt with the thunderous starts of Gilberto, who put on a festival on his flank, but was always caught out. He lacks support. Osimhen, the spearhead of the Super Eagles, had another chance, heading in Lookman's cross from the right wing in the 23rd minute. But Angolan goalkeeper Signori was quick to save.He did it again in the 34th minute, deflecting a long touch. The ball went wide of the goal.
Nigeria punish Angola with Lookman's first quick strike
It was in the 40th minute that Nigeria, who had been dominating the game, finally managed to launch a rapid attack. After a one-two in midfield with a team-mate, Iwobi turned the ball over to Sanusi on the left. The latter made an opening for Moses Simon, who beat Gaspar, who seemed to be well ahead. The Nigerian arrow then crossed lucidly from the edge of the area to Lookman, who unleashed an unstoppable shot past the Angolan keeper. His 3rd goal of the competition!(1-0) deserved at half-time for Nigeria, who made a much better impression!
#ToutPourLaCAN 🌍 : Ademola Lookman 🇳🇬 débloque la situation 😍 pic.twitter.com/ccf899Gh68
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) February 2, 2024
However, the figures aren't glaring: Nigeria had 54% possession, 6 shots including 2 on target. Angola had 46% possession, 5 shots and 2 on target. On the Angolan side, Gilberto seemed to be the only player up to the task.
Nigeria dominate without adding the lead
Nigeria started the second half strongly. They created two chances in quick succession, Iwobi's thwarted shot going just wide of the goal. Sanusi then missed in the 46th minute from an ideal position. Lookman, on fire, then made a nuisance of himself in defence, but fortunately his cross was wide of the mark (49th). Again, in the 57th minute, Calvin Bassey missed a clear-cut chance, no doubt hampered by Osimhen, from a corner when he was ideally placed.
Against the run of play, Angola had a great chance to equalize (58th). After Nigeria had lost the ball in midfield, Angolan striker Zini was sent clear. His curling shot struck the post. Nigeria regained control of the match with Simon and Lookman, both in fine form, causing the Angolan defence a great deal of trouble but fortunately for the Palancas Negras, they either finished poorly or missed their final passes.
Then Osimhen, in a controlled game, thought he was rewarded for his efforts with a header from a free-kick but he was ruled offside (75th).Osimhen had another chance to score in the 80th minute, but Gaspar's save prevented Nigeria from taking the lead. Angola were on the verge of breaking down. The Palancas Negras woke up in the 88th minute. Luvumbo had a chance of his own after an overrun.His curling effort from 25m was parried away by Nwabali, who was not alert in this encounter. There were to be no more chances in this match, with Nigeria logically through to the semi-finals, and awaiting their next opponent who will be the winner of South Africa-Cape Verde. The match is scheduled for Saturday, February 03.
