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Nigeria Secures AFCON Semifinal Spot with Lookman’s Lone Goal Against Angola

 

By Olusola Alabi

In a decisive quarter-final clash, Nigeria triumphed 1-0 over Angola, earning the first ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals. Ademola Lookman’s first-half goal, orchestrated by Moses Simon’s skillful play down the left, secured the victory at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Friday.

 

Lookman, with his third goal of the tournament in the 41st minute, propelled Nigeria into the semifinals. Their next challenge awaits on Wednesday against either Cape Verde or South Africa, who face off in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

 

Having reached the semi-finals in 13 of their last 15 Cup of Nations appearances, Nigeria emerges as favorites in a tournament where many heavyweight contenders have already been eliminated.

 

Although Angola had opportunities, including a woodwork hit by substitute Zini in the 59th minute, Nigeria demonstrated superiority throughout the match.

 

Angola, never advancing beyond the quarterfinals in previous Cup of Nations, came close early on, with Mabululu’s shot brilliantly saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili.

 

While Victor Osimhen and Nigeria had chances, including a disallowed 75th-minute goal after a VAR check, Angola’s defense held firm.

 

As the tournament unfolds, anticipation builds for the clash between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea in the second quarterfinal clash in Abidjan later on Friday.

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