The Super Eagles of Nigeria are through to the semi finals of the Cote d’Ivoire 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after beating the Palancas Negras of Angola 1-0 in the first quarter final at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, on Friday.
The only goal of the game was scored by Atalanta of Italy forward Ademola Lookman in the 41st minute after winger Moses Simon beat his marker with pace and squared the ball into the 18-yard box.
Victor Osimhen had a 75th-minute header ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee, VAR.
Angola’s best chance of the game fell to Zine, who rolled the ball against the base of the post when clean through on goal just before the hour mark.
Nigeria will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final clash between the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde and Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi final on Wednesday.
In the second quarter final match on Friday, the Democratic Republic of Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1 to book a semi-final spot.
Mohamed Bayo put Guinea ahead with a 20th-minute penalty but D.R Congo equalised in the 27th minute through Chancel Mbemba.
The Leopards then had a penalty of their own in the 65th minute which Brentford forward Yoane Wissa converted to make scores 2-1.
Arthur Masuaku made sure of victory for the Congolese with a free-kick in the 82nd minute which caught out Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone at his near post.
D.R Congo who drew all four of their previous games and only beat Egypt on penalties in the round of 16, will face the winners of Saturday’s quarter-final between Mali and hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the semi final on Wednesday.