By Michael Madyira
Nigeria stormed into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals following a 2-0 round of 16 win over Cameroon at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Saturday.
In a contest of few goal-scoring chances, Ademola Lookman struck a brace, first striking after 36 minutes and then right at the death to have a huge say in the tense affair.
With this victory, the Super Eagles have now cemented their status as Afcon title favourites after starting the tournament on a slow note.
Nigeria thought they had gone ahead after nine minutes but Semi Ajayi’s goal was ruled to have been scored from an offside position after a VAR review.
But the Super Eagles finally got it right when Lookman finished off a build-up from Victor Osimhen.
While the Indomitable Lions were expected to push for an equaliser, it instead became a tepid affair with few clear-cut chances being witnessed.
Nigeria then suffered an injury blow with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali being stretchered off the pitch injured, paving the way for Francis Uzoho to step in for the Chippa United custodian.
Lookman returned to strike again right on 90 minutes, this time connecting a cross from Calvin Bassey.
Meanwhile, in another last-16 match played at Stade de Bouake de la Paix, Angola’s Gelson Dala scored his second brace of the tournament when his two goals were key for a 3-0 win over Namibia.
Seven days after his double against Mauritania, Gelson Dala struck in the 38th and 42nd minute to give Angola some comfort before turning provider for Mabululu on 66 minutes.
Angola had goalkeeper Neblu being red-carded after 17 minutes and his replacement Antonio Signori denied Peter Shalulile in a one-on-situation soon after coming on. A 22nd-minute Deon Hotto freekick later drew an impressive dive from Signori.
Soon after, Namibia coach Collin Benjamin was forced to alter his plans when Prins Menelik Tijueza got injured and was substituted for Absalom Iimbondi.
The Brave were then punished for some slack marking when Fredy’s low cross found an unattended Gelson Dala who easily tapped into the net.
It got worse for Namibia as defender Lubeni Haukongo was sent for an early shower shortly after they had conceded.
Immediately after, Gelson Dala struck again, taking advantage of a destabilised Angola defence to head in a freekick from Fredy again.
Mabululu then killed the match as a contest when he curled in past Lloyd Kazapua in goals for Namibia.
Pictured above: Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen clashes with Cameroon’s Christopher Wooh
Image source: Super Eagles
