2023 AFCON: Three hits and three flops from the Super Eagles 2-0 win against Indomitable Lions

A mature team display saw Nigeria beat Cameroon 2-0 to advance to the AFCON quarterfinals. 

While several Super Eagles shone brightly, a few others failed to rise to the occasion on a night carrying extra scrutiny.

Although Nigeria showed enough steel and spirit to overcome Cameroon, certain squad players had an off day, constantly failing to impress for most parts of the game. 

Nonetheless, progression gives manager Jose Peseiro license now to rotate again around a blossoming core.

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at three hits and three flops from last night's nail-biting encounter.

Hits 

Victor Osimhen

The Napoli hitman underlined his credentials emerging as Africa's elite finisher. Osimhen expertly timed his angled run latching Cameroon's lack of defensive communication to square a low ball to Lookman for the opener. 

It's safe to say that Osimhen was a thorn in the flesh of the Lions defense throughout the entirety of the game.

Irresistible speed, movement and composure showcased his quality.  

Ademola Lookman

Lookman returned to the starting lineup and rewarded Peseiro's faith with a live wire display from left wing. 

His pace and trickery tormented the Lion's fullbacks all night. Twisting and turning to beat his marker, the Atalanta striker delivered Nigeria's two scintillating goals.

A breakout statement when Nigeria needed guile against Cameroon's defense. 

Ola Aina 

Few Super Eagles shone brighter than marauding wing-back Ola Aina. Defensively tireless helping double down on Karl Toko Ekambi, the former Torino man also offered consistent overlap support peppering crosses to stretch Cameroon. 

Aina's drilled balls and overlapping runs caused problems for Cameroon's defense down that right flank.

Flops  

Zaidu Sanusi

The last 16 berth represented a shot at redemption for the Porto left back. But Zaidu wasted his start, misplacing passes regularly while struggling defensively against Cameroon's widemen. 

Not quick enough or clever enough, a glaring weak link before being hooked. 

Alex Iwobi

Often the Super Eagles heartbeat, Alex Iwobi endured an unusually muted night failing to set tempo or spark attacks on the night. 

Iwobi uncharacteristically conceded possession cheaply early as Cameroon's physicality temporarily dominated. 

Unable to match their intensity, the former Everton man lacked his customary influence dictating play.

Moses Simon  

Arguably Nigeria's standout performer at the previous tournament, Moses Simon found the space he usually relishes completely suffocated on the night. 

The Nantes winger surprisingly failed to beat his man on largely throughout the game and lacked the much needed end-product.  

Ejim Kaycee

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