Super Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place to the semi-final of the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast defeated Angola by 1 to Nil.
The encounter was played at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Bogny Stadium in Abidjan on Friday evening.
The winning goal was scored in 41 minutes of the encounter courtesy of Ademola Lookman.
Jose Peseiro named unchanged starting eleven that defeated Cameroon in the round of 16.
The three time African Champions were the better side in the half hour mark as they created numerous chances in front of goal.
However in the early minutes of the game Mabululu almost put the Pelancas Negras into the lead with close range efforts but Stanley Nwabali dived to save the ball with his left arm.
Super Eagles pressed forward to search for a goal as Iwobi, Simon and Osimhen combined together up high on the field.
The goal for Jose Peseiro led side finally came after Moses Simon beating his man with a cut back pass to Ademola Lookman who placed the ball nicely with his left foot into the roof of the nets to give Nigeria the lead.
Before the goal, Victor Osimhen header had earlier saved by the goalkeeper after a nice cross from Moses Simon.
After the restart of the second half, Super Eagles began from where they left off as they search to extend their lead with Sanusi, Iwobi, Osimhen missed few chances.
Nigeria also failed to capitalizes on their counter attack on many occasions.
Substitute Zini almost leveled the scores for Pedro Goncalves led side after beating an offside trap as his efforts hit the post .
Nigeria thought they have extended their lead in 75 minutes when Osimhen rose above to nod in the ball from a resulting free-kick beating the goalkeeper but a VAR call ruled out the goal for an offside.
The duo of Frank Onyeka and Victor Osimhen were stretched off of the field in the latter of the game through injury.
It was a nervy end for Super Eagles after fourth officials signaled 7 minutes of an additional time as Angola surged forward to take the game into an extra time but Nigeria defence remain resolute at the back defending with their heart and soul to book their semifinal berth.
Super Eagles will take on the winners between South Africa and Cape Verde in the semi-final as both lock horns on Saturday 3rd Feb.
About Author
More Posts
Three Nigerian Players From Unicorns FC Ilorin Sets For Nottingham Forest Trials
Mogaji Odo-Okun Community, Suleiman Dogo Celebrates Emir of Ilorin At 85
Business Mogul, Donatus Agu Ejidike Pledges Full Support As Baseball League Kicks-Off In Ilorin