By Akinwale Kasali
Ademola Lookman was once again the hero for the Super Eagles of Nigeria as the team booked a place in the semi finals in the ongoing African Cup of Nations championship in Côte d’ Ivoire. It defeated the Palancras Negras of Angola by a lone goal.
As expected, it was a cagey affair as the Super Eagles curtailed the attacking prowess of Angola’s Gelson Dala and Mabululu. Nigeria’s Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save as early as the third minute.
As the game commenced, the Super Eagles grew into the match and dictated the pace. It paid off after a smooth run by Moses Simon into the Angola Area to set up Ademola Lookman who converted the pass from the Nantes Football of France midfielder to give Nigeria the lead in the 41st minute.
The momentum however changed as the Angolans found their way back into the game shooting from all cylinders and hit the post from a solo strike by Gonzalez Zini.
Goalkeeper, Nwabali made some crucial saves in the game to record his fourth clean sheet of the tournament.
Coach Jose Peseiro started the game with an unchanged line up against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, with Nwabali in goal, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, William Troost Ekong and Calvin Bassey in the back three.
Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Zaidu Sanusi were at the midfield, while Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Victor Osimhen.
With the victory, Nigeria awaits the winner of the quarter final match between Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde for their semi final encounter.
