A brace from Ademola Lookman sealed a 2-0 win for Nigeria’s Super Eagles against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in round 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
The Eagles have now beaten Cameroon in their last three meetings at the AFCON.
Also, the Eagles eliminated Cameroon at the same stage at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
It is the first time the Eagles will score more than one goal at this year’s tournament and have kept three clean sheets.
With the victory, Jose Peseiro’s men will now face Angola in the quarter-finals billed for Friday, 2nd February, 2024.
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The Angolans thrashed Namibia 3-0 in the first round of 16 clash.
The titanic clash between the Eagles and Cameroon was watched by some African legends like Samuel Eto’o, who is his country’s FA president, Togo legend Emmanuel Adebayor, two-time AFCON winner with Cameroon Roger Milla, Austin Okocha and Marseille 1993 Champions League winning defender Basile Boli.
Osimhen had the first attempt on goal in the 5th minute, as he connected with a throw in from Ola Aina which the keeper held well.
Ajayi thought he had given Nigeria the lead early in the game but it was ruled out for offside.
Cameroon launched forward on 24 minutes and a cross from Frank Magri on the right was well held by Stanley Nwabali.
The Eagles took the lead on 36 minutes through Lookman who slotted home after Osimhen outmuscled a Cameroonian defender to get the ball.
Few minutes later William Troost-Ekong made a timely block to deny Magri inside the box.
In first half stoppage time a dangerous cross from the right was headed away by Troost-Ekong.
The Eagles won a free kick on the edge of the box on 55 minutes but Lookman’s effort went just over the bar.
In the 61st minute Cameroon broke on the left but the cross was snuffed by for a goal kick.
Cameroon won a free kick on 65 minutes but the referee blew for a foul on Nwabali.
In the 72nd minute Cameroon got another feee kick but Nwabali game out well to punch away.
The Eagles were forced to a change on 78 minutes as Nwabali went off injured and was replaced by Francis Uzoho.
Aina had a big chance to double the lead on 86 minutes but saw his goal bound effort blocked.
With two minutes left Iwobi had a good chance off a fine pass from Lookman but wasted the chance.
In the 90th minute Lookman got his second goal as he slotted home Bassey’s cross.
Osimhen almost capitalised on a poor clearance on 99th minute but the danger was cleared.
By Adeboye Amosu, in Côte d’Ivoire
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COMMENTS
Oh Great!!!
i watched the ATALANTA GAME today vs Udunese our former goal keep Nduka abi whats that his name again…first half atalanta were two goals up..without their highest goal scorer lookman…the guy dey reserve his goal for Nigeria vs Cameroon…Congratulations Lookman…na so all the cameroonian defender were LOOKING (they turned to LOOKMEN) until you score
Maduka is the future
Gernot Rohr slaves will not like this result
@chinenye I like the terminology you used. it’s real Gernot Rohr SLAVES, especially that Moneky Post guy who like forever doesn’t know his name is ROHR and not Roar like he keeps spewing garbage all the time. I’ve been saying it from the first day Peseiro was appointed that, I won’t judge him with qualifies and friendlies until I see him in a tournament proper. I was waiting to really bash him, but I see that he’s miles and miles better than a clueless Gernot Rohr, whom all through his tenure, could not explain how his team plays. Couldn’t explain his style from a tactical stand point. Anyone who sees how he’s been talking and his formations will know that the man understands what he’s doing. Unlike Rohr who was clueless and didn’t even know his players.
Our defence was great.
The game was worth the hype. A classic football Derby. Super Eagles brought in the kind of energy and press not seen in a very long while. Cameroon fans should not crucify their team.Brother Nigeria was well prepared not to give anything away.
Brother Nigeria or husband Nigeria, more like husband Nigeria….lol
Cameroun has become Nigeria’s wife in football.
Congratulations!!! Well deserved win
Finally, the team has taken shape for the AFCON in the knockout stage. Super Eagles living up to his to her true name, after that sterling performance, caging the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
Onyeka, I owe you a special apology!
Today, I saw Frank de Tank. What a player he was in the middle of the pack – his tackles, power, movement, passes….. He was in a beast mode. Wondering what Pesiero did to the guy?
Loved the way he bounded across the pitch with his movements l, marking, throwing tackles. He was also full of running.
If it’s possible to have another MOTM, it will definitely be onyeka for me, man was everywhere, good all round game from the entire team, even sanusi starting playing good after the break.
i will give it to OSimhen…that man really trouble the backline and they cant buuld any game from the back..He forced them to committ so much error…pleas, if it’s possible truely to have another MOTM…Definitely it VO
Zaidu shod be dropped in the next match. Let Calvin take his place abd Oneruo should take the place of Calvin in that 3 centre back arrangement
I join you with that apology. He has been immense in the last two games. He was never over-run in midfield and was a good part of why we have not been conceding goals.
Congratulations to Frank Onyeka for a great midfield performance.
You have been criticizing Onyeka?
That’s the reward for constructive criticism. You’ve to acknowledge it, when you see the results.
Nigeria has been phenomenal, especially in the middle.
Best time to be a soccer fans, my dear country team the SE won and move to the AFCON last 8, my dear club Real Madrid won and remain atop La liga table and my worst enemy Barca collect wotowoto.
Osimhen might end up Joining us as a good replacement for Benzema. Hala Madrid!!!
Congratulations boys and congratulations to the coach. You’ve done well. The team is beginning to take shape and gel. Let’s take it one game at a time. It can only get better.
Ekong,Aina,Bassey.
The trio were simply amazing.
Onyeka,Lookman.
Both top top level performance today.
Osimhen. Now this is the African footballer of the year. As always; world class!
Elite play from the whole team tonight.
Coaching crew was impressive.
Getting stronger as the tournament goes deep.
Hopefully, we enjoy the night and keep our eyes on the ball. It’s not over.
It can only get better.
Typical Mourinho play. Masterclass defence. We can match any team at this point.
Osimhen !!! You are really a thorn in the flesh of defenders. Your hard work and commitment were duly noticed. Keep it up. Your goals are coming.
Absolutely Oakfield. You took the word out of my mouth.
I just read a comment on Youtube.
Somebody said Barcelona should sign the whole Nigeria defense.
Hahaha!
Osimhen had been doing well even before this Cameroon game.
He was involved in all 3 goals scored in the group stage. And he put himself about a lot, did a lot of running.
His issue is failing to converting chances. When he starts doing that, what a player he will become.
Watching Osimene ‘s battle with the Camerounian defence , I could only imagine the loads of demons those defenders could have been seeing, everytime Osimene made those direct runs towards them.
Osimene was just a beast yesterday. No defender enjoys such beasty play from players like that.
When Osimene is not stationed as a point man but allowed to roam about, he is an unplayable menace. Enjoyed how he interchange positions with lookman, as that made it really difficult for the camerounian defence. To God be the Glory, so it will continue unto ultimately becoming AFCON CHAMPION S.