Nigeria secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 1-0 victory over Angola on Friday, Febuary 2, 2024.
Ademola Lookman scored the decisive goal in the 41st minute, securing Nigeria’s fourth win in five games at the tournament.
The winning goal unfolded as Moses Simon skillfully maneuvered past a defender, entered the box, and provided a pass to Ademola Lookman, who clinically finished to put Nigeria in the lead.
Before Nigeria took the lead, Angola had an early chance denied by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who made a crucial save from Mabululu’s glancing header in the fourth minute.
Despite efforts from the reigning CAF Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, Nigeria dominated the first half, and Lookman’s goal provided a 1-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Osimhen had a goal disallowed after VAR review confirmed he was in an offside position when scoring from a powerful header.
The hard-fought match ended with Nigeria securing the 1-0 victory, advancing to the semi-finals. Nigeria will face either South Africa or Cape Verde in the next round.
While Angola’s hopes of reaching their first AFCON semi-final were dashed, Nigeria continues its quest for continental glory in the prestigious tournament.
