Nigeria 1-0 Angola: Watch Super Eagles Eliminate Black Antelopes To Reach AFCON Semi-Final (VIDEO)

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals as Ademola Lookman’s first-half goal led to a 1-0 victory over Angola in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Lookman capitalized on a dynamic run by winger Moses Simon down the left, eluding defender Kialonda Gaspar and scoring his third goal of the tournament.

The 26-year-old’s 41st-minute goal at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium ensured a place in the semi-finals. Nigeria will face either the Cape Verde Islands or South Africa in the upcoming match on Wednesday.

With 13 semi-final appearances in their last 15 Cup of Nations, Nigeria has emerged as favorites in a tournament where many heavyweight contenders have been eliminated.

Despite Angola’s opportunities, including a close call from substitute Zini hitting the woodwork, Nigeria demonstrated their superiority.

Despite Angola’s historical struggles beyond the quarterfinals in previous Cup of Nations, they nearly took the lead within four minutes, with Mabululu’s close-range shot superbly saved by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili.

Victor Osimhen had a mid-first half header, but it was too close to Angola’s keeper Antonio Dominique.

In the second half, Nigeria had better chances, with Zaidu Sanusi and Alex Iwobi missing shots. Moses Simon had another opportunity, but his effort was blocked.

African Footballer of the Year Osimhen experienced frustration as his 75th-minute header from a free-kick was disallowed after a VAR check.

Five minutes later, Osimhen received a pass from Lookman but hesitated in his attempt and was dispossessed by the Angolan defense.

In another quarter-final clash later on Friday in Abidjan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea are set to face each other.

Simeon Moses with his performance and an assist make wins the TotalEnergies Man of the Match.

🇳🇬 Moses Simon 🇳🇬

Quite a perforamce and an assist make him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match! 👏#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #NGRANG | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/zaYo0C0yGt

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 2, 2024

Watch video highlights below:

📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇳🇬 1-0 🇦🇴

Nigeria scoring one goal with a clean sheet to head to the semis! ✨#NGRANG | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @Football2Gether

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 2, 2024