'One of the hardest we've played' - Ola Aina reckons Angola proved a tough nut to crack for Super Eagles 

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone shortly after Nigeria's hard-fought 1-0 win over Angola, Super Eagles wingback Ola Aina admitted that the Palancas Negras proved a tough nut to crack for the three-time African champions on Friday evening.

The Super Eagles saw off a spirited Angola side at the  Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan thanks to Ademola Lookman's game-winning strike in the 41st minute when he fired in a cutback from Moses Simon. 

Nigeria were lucky not to concede just before the hour mark when Zini slipped in behind but his low shot came off the post. 

Aina reckons that it was one of the most difficult games played by the Super Eagles so far at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

"We knew it was going to be a difficult game, I think so far one of the hardest we've played just because we have had a lot of games where physically the boys have put a lot in," Aina told reporters. 

"This game was really hard but nevertheless we are happy that we put a performance and result that we wanted to."

Manager Jose Peseiro has opted for a new formation, 3-4-3, in the last four matches played by Nigeria, making the squad more defensively solid in the process with four consecutive clean sheets. 

"We have just worked on it and it's working for us right now so we're comfortable with that formation and that style of play, we're happy."

On the expectations for the semifinals, he said: "We are happy and looking forward to the semifinal. Full focus on that game now and hopefully we can get the result we want again."

Chelsea academy product Aina has started every single game played by the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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