2023 AFCON : Five takeaways from Super Eagles impressive 2-0 win against Indomitable Lions 

The Super Eagles secured a 2-0 victory against Cameroon, earning them a spot in the quarterfinal stage of the 2023 AFCON tournament.

 

Ademola Lookman found the net in the 36th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Victor Osimhen. He got his brace in the 90th minute, slotting home a cross from Calvin Bassey. 

 

Following this triumph, Nigeria is set to take on Angola in the quarterfinals, as Angola emerged victorious with a 3-0 win over Namibia in the initial Round of 16 game on Saturday.

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com now presents five takeaways  from Nigeria's victory at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny.

 

1. Correct referee decision 

 

Nigeria found the net within the initial twelve minutes, only to have the goal disallowed for offside following a VAR assessment. 

 

Despite the referee's offside call post-VAR review, the Nigerian players contested the decision. The referee made the right call as Victor Osimhen was behind ten Cameroonian players in the build-up to the goal. 

 

2. Super Eagles produce another solid defensive performance

 

Nigeria showcased another impressive performance in the ongoing AFCON tournament against Cameroon. 

 

Despite pre-game discussions focusing on the midfield battle and the threat posed by the Cameroonian team, the Eagles handled it brilliantly.

 

Nigeria effectively neutralized the runs and threat posed by André-Frank Zambo Anguissa from the midfield and the former Villarreal striker, Karl Toko Ekambi.

 

With this solid performance, Nigeria has become the first country to maintain a clean sheet in the first half of three consecutive games in the current AFCON tournament.

 

3. Ademola Lookman, Aina Impress but Osimhen's drought continues 

 

The duo of Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina showcased their excellence in Nigeria's triumph over Cameroon. Lookman secured a brace, capitalizing on assists from both Osimhen and Calvin Bassey.

 

Similarly, Ola Aina continued to shine in the defensive line for Nigeria. The Nottingham Forest star displayed resilience in defense and seamlessly contributed to the team's offensive efforts.

 

Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen stood out with an impressive performance against Cameroon. Serving as the architect of Nigeria's attacks, he provided the crucial assist for the opening goal and consistently posed a threat to the Cameroonian defense.

 

Regrettably, Osimhen has been unable to find the back of the net in the last three AFCON games, with his last goal coming in the opener against Equatorial Guinea.

 

4. Worry for Peseiro as Nwabali is stretchered off 

 

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro will be concerned about the severity of Stanley Nwabili's injury. 

 

The Chippa United goalkeeper was stretchered off after a collision inside the box and was substituted by Francis Uzoho.

 

It's worth noting that Uzoho had initially lost his starting position to Nwabali due to a series of subpar performances for Nigeria prior to the commencement of the tournament.

 

5) Fabrice Ondoa disappoints in Onana's absence 

 

Chosen ahead of Andre Onana, Fabrice Ondoa struggled to make an impact against Nigeria. Despite getting a touch on the ball, the goalkeeper was unable to prevent Ademola Lookman from scoring the first goal.

 

 

 

 

Adeyemi Adewale

 

 

 

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