Lookman sends Super Eagles into AFCON semis

Nigeria's forward #18 Ademola Lookman (L) celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Nigeria's forward #15 Moses Simon during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 quarter-final football match between Nigeria and Angola at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on February 2, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Super Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place in the semi-final of the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire after beating the Palancas Negras of Angola 1-0 on Friday evening at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Bogny Stadium in Abidjan.

Jose Peseiro’s men survived a huge scare in the opening 4 minutes when Gilberto flicked on Fredy’s corner into the path of Mabululu, who was brilliantly denied by Stanley Nwabili.

Victor Osimhen’s header was saved by the Angolan goalkeeper after a nice cross from Moses Simon.

Ademola Lookman scored the winning goal in the 41st minute following a superb cutback assist from Moses Simon for the three-time African champions.
After the halftime break, early chances fell for Alex Iwobi and Zaidu Sanusi. Nigeria also failed to capitalize on their counter attack on many occasions.

Substitute Zini almost leveled the scores for Pedro Goncalves led side after beating an offside trap as his efforts hit the post .

Nigeria thought they had extended their lead in the 75th minute when Osimhen rose above to nod in the ball from a resulting free-kick beating the goalkeeper but a VAR call ruled out the goal for an offside.

Nigeria’s defence remained resolute to book their place in the semifinal.

Super Eagles will take on the winners between South Africa and Cape Verde in the semi-final as both sides lock horns on Saturday February 3rd.

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