Nigeria Super Eagles continued their dominance against Cameroon as they defeated the Indomitable Lions 2-0 in the AFCON 2023 to reach the quarter final.
Ademola Lookman scored twice in the game—on the 36th and 90th minutes—to help the Super Eagles defeat the Indomitable Lions and go closer to winning a fourth continental championship.
Nigeria exerted tremendous early pressure and had Semi Ajayi put the ball in the net in the ninth minute, but an offside in the build-up led to the goal being disallowed following a VAR review.
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Even while the Super Eagles were still the more formidable attacking team, Cameroon was able to create more of a rhythm and stabilise their defence.
The dark green squad was rewarded with a goal in the 36th minute when Victor Osimhen stole the ball from Oumar Gonzalez, the defender, and set up Ademola Lookman. Fabrice Ondoa partially saved Lookman’s low shot, but the ball nevertheless trickled across the goal line for a 1-0 victory.
The Indomitable Lions attempted to respond quickly but were unable to generate any clear opportunities, therefore Nigeria led the game going into halftime.
Ten minutes after the restart, Lookman curled a straight free-kick just over the bar, giving the Super Eagles a nearly double lead.
In an attempt to increase their attacking pressure, Cameroon brought in veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar, who injured himself in the lead-up to the Afcon and replaced Gonzalez in the 78th minute of the 2023 competition.
Nigeria also had to substitute Francis Uzoho for custodian Stanley Nwabali, who was seriously injured in a clash with Georges-Kevin N’Koudou.
On the eighty-fifth minute, Ola Aina had a clear opportunity to put the Super Eagles ahead, but Tolo Nouhou bravely blocked his shot.
Nevertheless, Lookman’s exquisite finish of Calvin Bassey’s cross in the ninetieth minute dealt the game-winning blow, securing the Super Eagles’ passage to the Afcon last eight. The score was now 2-0.
Next, on Friday, February 2, at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Nigeria will play Angola in the first quarterfinal.