The Super Eagles edged out Cameroon to reach the AFCON quarter-finals.
Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game on Saturday. Ademola Lookman scored twice to inspire the Super Eagles’ crucial victory.
What happened?
Nigeria’s dominant start to the game almost led to their opener in the 12th minute, but the VAR ruled out Semi Ajayi’s goal for offside.
Cameroon made a few attempts to break the deadlock before the half-hour mark but barely managed to create any serious chances. Nigeria, on the other hand, finally went ahead when Lookman converted an assist from Victor Osimhen in the 36th minute.
The one-goal lead was enough to force Cameroon to send more bodies forward after the break. But the Indomitable Lions lacked enough attacking edge to register a single shot on target.
Nigeria kept their opponents at bay, finally scoring their second goal of the night in the 90th minute. This time, Lookman smashed a precise low cross from Calvin Bassey into the back of the net to make it 2-0 for the Super Eagles.
Next up, Nigeria will face Angola in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Nigeria vs Cameroon: Man of the Match
Lookman deserves the Man of the Match title for his incredible display against Cameroon. He scored both of the Super Eagles’ goals while putting constant pressure on Cameroon’s backline through his devastating runs down the left flank.
Player Ratings
Nigeria: Nwabali (6); Aina (7), Troost-Ekong (7), Ajayi (7), Bassey (8), Zaidu (5); Onyeka (6), Iwobi (6); Lookman (9), Osimhen (7), Simon (6).
Bench: Uzoho (5), Omeruo (6), Osayi-Samuel (-), Onuachu (-).
Cameroon: Ondoa (6), Castelletto (6), Gonzales (5), Wooh (5); Mgamaleu (7), Ntcham (6), Zambo (6), Tolo (6); Toko Ekambi (5), Magri (5), Nkoudo (6).
Bench: Aboubakar (6), Mbiayi (5), Moumbagna (-).