Lookman Shines As Super Eagles Defeat Cameroon To Qualify For Quarter Finals

The Super Eagles earned a hard-fought 2-0 win over Cameroon to qualify for the quarter finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Ademola Lookman scored a brace to book Nigeria’s place in the last eight of the competition.

Jose Peseiro made four changes to the team that defeated Guinea-Bissau on Monday with the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong making a return to the starting lineup.

The Super Eagles started the match on the front foot, dominating proceedings early in the encounter.

Semi Ajayi thought he had given Nigeria an early lead in the ninth minute only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

The Super Eagles took a deserved lead just before half time with a vital goal from Ademola Lookman.

Victor Osimhen took advantage of a mistake by a Cameroonian defender to set up Ademola Lookman, whose effort beat the goalkeeper to give the Super Eagles the lead going into the second half.

Cameroon resumed the second half with intent and purpose but they were unable to break down the Super Eagles back line.

The Super Eagles suffered a major blow in the 76th minute when goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabili was substituted due to a knee injury and he was replaced by Francis Uzoho.

Cameroon brought on experienced forward Vincent Aboubakar but he was unable to inspire his country to a comeback against Nigeria.

Ademola Lookman finished off a sublime cross from Calvin Bassey to increase Nigeria’s lead in the 90th minute.

The Indomitable Lions threw all their cards into the game in a bid to find their way back but they found the Super Eagles defence difficult to penetrate.

Peseiro brought on Osayi-Samuel and Paul Onuachu for Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon late in the game.

Nigeria held on to earn a deserved 2-0 win over their old time foes and to also advance to the quarterfinals in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles will now face Angola in the quarterfinals on Friday.