AFCON 2023: Lookman’s brace helps Super Eagles knock out Cameroon
Ademola Lookman netted both goals as Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over traditional rivals Cameroon on Saturday, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
In this last-16 clash, an early goal by Semi Ajayi for the Nigerians was disallowed following a VAR review. However, the persistent pressure and assertiveness from Victor Osimhen against the Cameroon defense paved the way for Ademola Lookman to score in the 36th minute.
Maintaining their defensive prowess at this AFCON, the Nigerian team successfully thwarted the Indomitable Lions’ attempts, and Lookman secured the victory in the 90th minute in front of 22,085 fans at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Their next challenge awaits them at the same venue in a last-eight encounter next Friday against Angola, who secured a 3-0 win over Namibia earlier.
With the formidable Osimhen leading the charge, the Super Eagles pose a significant threat to reigning champions Senegal as they pursue their fourth continental crown.
This matchup holds historical significance, as Cameroon clinched three of their five titles after defeating Nigeria in the final.
The initial encounter, dating back to 1984 when a team led by Roger Milla staged a comeback to secure a 3-1 victory, occurred at this very stadium in the economic capital of Ivory Coast.
However, Nigeria emerged triumphant in their latest clash with Cameroon during the last 16 in Egypt five years ago. In this current match, Nigeria’s team, considered favorites against Rigobert Song’s Cameroon, entered the contest having breezed through their group stage unbeaten, while Cameroon required a stoppage-time goal against Gambia to advance.
Despite having notable figures like Andre Onana, the Manchester United goalkeeper, their manager opted for Fabrice Ondoa from French third-tier side Nimes for the second consecutive game. Vincent Aboubakar, the skipper and primary goal threat, started the match on the bench after missing the entire first round due to injury.
Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro brought back captain William Troost-Ekong, Lookman and Alex Iwobi –- scorer of the winner in that 2019 tie –- after all were rested for their last match against Guinea-Bissau.
Tireless Osimhen
Cameroon faced early challenges due to Nigeria’s aggressive pressing tactics, and within the first eight minutes, Nigeria believed they had forged ahead.
Ondoa saved a shot from Moses Simon, but the ball rebounded to Ajayi, and the West Bromwich Albion defender managed to score despite the goalkeeper making contact.
Although exuberant celebrations followed, the Moroccan referee, after consulting the VAR monitor, disallowed the goal, ruling Ajayi offside and interfering during the initial shot.
Undeterred, Nigeria continued their relentless effort, with the indefatigable Osimhen leading the charge.
He played a pivotal role in initiating the opening goal by stripping Oumar Gonzalez of possession after a throw-in had been directed back towards the Cameroon defender.
Osimhen then selflessly set up Lookman, whose shot from the Atalanta forward was directly aimed at Ondoa. However, the goalkeeper could only assist the ball on its trajectory into the net.
Osimhen sank to the ground as the halftime whistle blew, but the reigning African footballer of the year mustered the energy to resume play after the restart.
Coach Peseiro emphasized the team’s primary focus on preventing conceding goals, and they maintained their defensive resilience even after goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili was carried off the field due to injury late in the game.
The introduction of Aboubakar for Cameroon had no discernible impact, and Nigeria sealed the deal with the decisive second goal just before the match entered 10 minutes of injury time. Calvin Bassey delivered a low cross from the left, and Lookman, hailing from London, applied the finishing touch.
Lion of Africa no gree for anybody! Ginger o porrr! No retreat, no surrender. ??#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 l @NGSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/Yz70vLROun
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 27, 2024