The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the palancas Negras of Angola to become the first team to book a place in the semifinal at the ongoing Africa cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
It’s now four clean sheets in a row for the Super Eagles, who look defensively solid and have a platform for success.
It was another impressive defensive performance by the William Troost-Ekong-led backline who have now gone four consecutive games without conceding a goal.
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Alhassan Yusuf made a return after injury.
Angola, who made their third quarter-final appearance and first AFCON clash with the Eagles went into the game on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run.
Lookman finished off a flying run down the left by winger Moses Simon, who skipped the challenge of defender Kialonda Gaspar to break free and then teed up his team mate for his third goal of the tournament, netting home the only goal of the match
The 26-year-old’s 41st-minute strike at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium was enough to set up a semi-final meeting on Wednesday against either the Cape Verde Islands or South Africa, who play their quarter-final on Saturday.
The keenly fought battle showcased the resilience and prowess of the Nigerian team, solidifying their journey towards AFCON glory.
Four yellow cards were issued between both teams, with the Palancas Negras getting three and Nigeria one.
The Senegalese referee, Issa Sy overruled a 75th minute header from Napoli striker, Victor Osihmen.
Later on Friday, also in Abidjan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea meet in the second of the quarter-final clashes.
