Nigeria defeats Cameroon and qualifies for the AFCON quarterfinals

Two goals from Ademola Lookman, one in each half, helped the Super Eagles beat the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 2-0 in Saturday’s round of 16 clash.

Coach José Peseiro reinstated Alex Iwobi, Zaidu Sanusi and Lookman as he continued to deploy the 3-4-3 formation. The Eagles were better from the start and laid siege to the Cameroon defense and effectively kept the Lions in arms.

In the ninth minute, Semi Ajayi’s goal was disallowed due to a slight offside, but the Eagles dominated the pace, ensuring goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali did not have to make any saves.

Victor Osimhen’s dynamic performance paid off when he put pressure on Oumar Gonzalez in the 36th minute, leading to a pass to Ademola Lookman for Nigeria’s first goal.

Fabrice Ondoa did his best to avoid Lookman’s effort but writhed before replacement André Onana. The second half followed the same script, with Nwabali on vacation despite Cameroon having more possession of the ball. The Chippa United goalkeeper was injured in the 80th minute and was replaced by Francis Uzoho. Coach Rigobert Song sent in Vincent Aboubakar, but he arrived too late to make a difference.

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Lookman confirmed Nigeria’s pass in the 90th minute after a good combination with Calvin Bassey on the left wing. The Lions had 57 percent ball possession, but failed to get any shots on goal.

Nigeria will face Angola on Friday, February 2 at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in the first quarter-finals of AFCON 2023.

Victor Osimhen in action with the Super Eagles against Cameroon[Photo: Super Eagles on Twitter]