'Great strength to hold off Gonzalez' - Man Utd hail Osimhen for role he played in Lookman's opener

English Premier League giants Manchester United monitored proceedings as two great footballing nations Nigeria and Cameroon confronted each other at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan in a round of 16 2023 Africa Cup of Nations clash.

Former Everton, Leicester City and Fulham winger Ademola Lookman was the star of the show as he netted a brace to secure a 2-0 win and Nigeria's place in the quarterfinals. 

Manchester United were interested in the clash between the continental heavyweights on Saturday night because they wanted to check on the progress of their goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The Red Devils star remained rooted to the bench for the entire duration of the game as Indomitable Lions boss Rigobert Song opting to hand the goalkeeping gloves to Onana's cousin, Fabrice Ondoa.

Lookman broke the deadlock nine minutes to the end of the first half when his shot squirmed under the goalkeeper. 

In their review of the game, Manchester United's official website highlighted the role played by Victor Osimhen in the build-up to Lookman's opener. 

"It was, however, the three-time AFCON champions who took the lead before the interval, with Osimhen initially showing great strength to hold off Oumar Gonzalez," Manchester United wrote. 

"The Napoli forward played in Lookman with a neat pass and the 26-year-old made no mistake from close range, tucking home despite Ondoa's best efforts."

United were heavily linked with a move for the reigning African Footballer of the Year last summer before the signing of Rasmus Højlund.

A Premier League move is still on the cards for Osimhen with Chelsea believed to be in pole position for his signature. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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