Two goals from Atalanta of Italy forward Ademola Lookman, one in either half, helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria earn a deserved 2-0 win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the Round of 16 on Saturday night and qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire
In a game played at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, the venue where Cameroon won the first of their five AFCON titles, it was the Nigerians, at whose expense the Indomitable Lions won that 1984 final and two more in 1988 and 2000 who took the initiative and extended their unbeaten run against Cameroon to five successive competitive matches.
Jose Peseiro’s side thought they made the perfect start when Semi Ajayi poked into the net from close range after nine minutes, however, a lengthy VAR review concluded that the West Brom defender strayed into an offside position and the goal was cancelled.
But the Indomitable Lions, who finished the game without a shot on target, were dealt a deadly blow in the 36th minute after Oumar Gonzalez mistimed a touch following pressure from Victor Osimhen and the African Footballer of the year raced forward and passed to Lookman, whose shot was fumbled into the net by Cameroonian goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa.
Nigeria started the second half on the front foot and Lookman went close to doubling his tally with a whipped free-kick from 20 yards.
The chances continued to fall for the Super Eagles and Lookman finally got his second goal of the night in injury time as he raced onto Calvin Bassey’s low cross to slam the ball into the net.
Nigeria will now take on Angola, who defeated Namibia 3-0 in the first Round of 16 tie to reach the quarter-finals.
Gelson Dala took his Africa Cup of Nations goal tally to four with a brace for the Palancas Negras in a game in which both teams were reduced to 10-men.
Striker, Mabululu also scored midway through the second half as Angola enjoyed a comfortable win their Southern African neighbours.
Round of 16 action continues on Sunday as Equatorial Guinea take on Guinea at 6pm and 7-time champions, Egypt confront the Democratic Republic of Congo.