Lookman Leads Super Eagles To Nations Cup Semi-finals

Ademola Lookman scored the only goal of the game to lead the Super Eagles to a 1-0 win over Angola which propelled the team to the semi finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Jose Peseiro opted for the same team that defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the round of 16. Stanley Nwabali passed a late fitness test to keep his place in goal.

Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon provided attacking support for Victor Osimhen.

The Super Eagles started the game with intent and purpose.

Nwabali produced a superb save to deny Angola the lead in the fourth minute.

Few minutes later, Osimhen failed to direct his effort on target.

Both sides continued to prove for the opener but it was Nigeria that got the opportunity to open the scoring.

Ademola Lookman continued from where he stopped against Cameroon with another vital goal just before halftime.

Moses Simon broke away from an Angolan defender to set up Lookman, who produced an emphatic finish to give Nigeria the lead going into the second half.

The second half started just like the first but the Angolans found the Super Eagles solid defence impenetrable.

Angola missed a glorious chance on the hour mark when Gelson Dala’s effort hit the bar following a sublime pass from Estrellla.

Victor Osimhen thought he had increased Nigeria’s lead in the 75th minute when his powerful header sailed into the net, but the referee ruled the effort out after consulting the VAR.

Peseiro brought on Alhassan Yusuf for Alex Iwobi in a bid to add fresh legs to the team.

Osimhen was also replaced by Paul Onuachu and Kenneth Omeruo came on for Ademola Lookman in the closing moments of the game.

Angola continued to push for the equaliser but the Super Eagles held on to book a place in the last four of the competition.