Nigeria reach the AFCON 2023 semifinals with a narrow 1-0 victory over a determined Angola team. Ademola Lookman’s first-half goal sealed the win for the three-time former champions. Despite Angola hitting the post in the second half, they couldn’t find the back of the net, concluding an otherwise impressive tournament for them. Ademola Lookman’s decisive goal propelled Nigeria past Angola, earning them a place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. The Atalanta winger scored four minutes before half-time in Abidjan. He converted Moses Simon’s cross, setting up a clash in the last four against either Cape Verde or South Africa. Angola, aiming for their first semi-final appearance, had a promising start, with Stanley Nwabali denying Mabululu’s close-range volley in the fourth minute.
Game Analysis
Nonetheless, Nigeria took the lead in the 41st minute. Simon evaded Kialonda Gaspar’s sliding challenge, delivering a precise pass to Lookman. He skillfully fired the ball into the top of the net. Angola came close to responding just before the hour mark. Substitute AEK Athens player Zine capitalized on Show’s through-ball, defeating Nwabali. However, he witnessed his first shot rebound off the post.
Victor Osimhen help Nigeria reach AFCON 2023 semifinals
Despite VAR disallowing Victor Osimhen’s header from Lookman’s free-kick due to offside, the Super Eagles successfully defended their lead, securing their advancement into the semi-finals.
The star player from Napoli, the current winner of Africa’s Footballer of the Year title, still has one goal in the ongoing AFCON. However, Nigeria’s triumph relies on a formidable defense that has managed to maintain four consecutive clean sheets.
Nigeria had a close call believing Osimhen scored from a Lookman free-kick, but the goal was disallowed. Despite taking some hits and being stretchered off briefly, Osimhen continued playing until the end.
Bottomline
Jose Peseiro’s Nigeria team found it challenging to replicate their performance against Cameroon from six days ago. This is due to the intense heat and humidity, which proved more draining than in earlier stages of the competition. However, Nigeria have reached AFCON 2023 semifinals
Angola came close to scoring within the first four minutes, with a corner from their right to Mabululu. His near-post attempt was dismissed by Stanley Nwabili, the Nigerian goalkeeper. Nwabili had successfully undergone a fitness test to participate.