Nigeria 1-0 Angola: Ademola Lookman’s single goal books AFCON semi-final spot for Super Eagles

Ademola Lookman’s goal in the first half secured the spot for the three-time past winners in the final four. The Atalanta winger, scored twice in the Super Eagles match against rivals Cameroon in the round of 16.

The lucky goal came in four minutes before halftime in Abidjan as Ademola hammered home Moses Simon’s low cross. Nigeria was largely in control of the game, but Angola twice came agonizingly close to scoring to demonstrate why they have been such a prolific free-scoring force in the Ivory Coast.

In the first minutes of the match, Mabululu came close to scoring his fourth goal of the tournament until Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a fantastic stop. With fifteen minutes remaining, Victor Oshimen’s free kick from Lookman appeared to have secured Jose Peseiro’s team a spot in the semifinals, but review revealed the Napoli player had scored from an offside position.

The highest-ranked nation remaining in the competition, three-time winners Nigeria demonstrated their ability to handle the favourites tag with a hard-earned victory. With Lookman, Simon and Osimhen, the Super Eagles also produced yet another solid defensive performance. Jose Peseiro’s side certainly have plenty of positives to build on as they head into the semi-finals.