By Michael Madyira
Nigeria asserted themselves as 2024 Africa Cup of Nations title favourites after storming into the semi-finals following a 1-0 victory over Angola at Stade Feliix Houphouet-Boigny on Friday.
Ademola Lookman struck in the 41st minute for what was the all-important goal that separated the two sides.
Nigeria remain on course to win the Afcon title they last claimed in 2013 while Angola are out of their bid for a maiden continental crown.
After starting the tournament on a low note and being heavily doubted, the Super Eagles are now being mentioned as tournament favourites.
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was back for Nigeria after recovering from an injury sustained during the last match against Cameroon.
Angola had goalkeeper Antonio Signori stepping in for Neblu, who was suspended.
The result ended in Angola failing at their eighth Afcon appearance; they have never qualified for the semi-finals.
It was the Cosafa side that started strongly with Mabululu’s having his close-range effort saved by Nwabali in the fourth minute.
But after a contest of the two teams struggling to breach each other, Lookman broke the deadlock by connecting, at first time, a cross from the left side by Moses Simon.
Nigeria almost increased their lead on the half-hour mark, but Calvin Bassey’s header was saved by Signori while, shortly after Fredy had his shot hit the crossbar in an agonising moment for the Angolans.
The Super Eagles thought they had given their opponents a tall order in bidding for a comeback when Osimhen headed into the net, but his header was ruled out to have been scored from an offside position.
Nigeria managed to hold on to the slender lead as Angola struggled upfront.
Pictured above: Nigeria players celebrating Ademola Lookman’s goal against Angola.
Image source: CAF
