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Nigeria beat Angola to book AFCON semi-final ticket

Nigeria salvaged a 1-0 slender win over Angola in the 2023 AFCON quarter-final clash at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Friday night.

Below are some talking points from this entertaining last-eight showdown between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Angola. 

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN SHINES FOR NIGERIA

Ademola Lookman, who plays a winger for Serie A club Atalanta broke the deadlock for Nigeria in the 41st minute of the showpiece.

His club-level experience came in handy to see the Super Eagles succeed to the CAF AFCON semis. 

CLEAN SHEET FOR NIGERIA GOALKEEPER

Chippa United shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali came into this game having kept three clean sheets from their last three matches.

Nwabali made sure that he continued with his impressive displays at the ongoing AFCON tournament by keeping his fourth clean sheet.

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in celebratory mood.
Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in celebratory mood

BATTLE OF THE HIGHEST-SCORING NATIONS IN THE AFCON TOURNAMENT 

This was a battle of the highest-scoring nations in the competition so far. Nigeria and Angola came into this contest having scored nine goals each.

With the Super Eagles have eliminated Angola by a 1-0 scoreline, which means Nigeria have now scored 10 goals in the AFCON tournament.

To add to that, Nigeria and Angola are one of the three nations to have had the most shots from counter-attacks at the AFCON tournament. The third nation is South Africa. 

NIGERIA’S NEXT OPPONENT

Nigeria who just booked a spot in the semi-finals will face either Bafana Bafana or Cape Verde in the tournament’s last four.

The game will take place on Wednesday, 7 February 2024. The kick-off is at 19:00.

Nigeria will be gunning for the finals and going to win the tournament. The Super Eagles are the only topped-ranked African nation left in this prestigious competition.   

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