Nigeria secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a slender 1-0 victory over a resilient Angola team.
Ademola Lookman’s goal in the first half proved to be the decisive moment for the three-time former champions.
Despite Angola’s spirited efforts, including hitting the post in the second half, they were unable to find the back of the net, concluding an otherwise impressive tournament for them.
Ademola Lookman was the hero for Nigeria, scoring the lone goal in the 41st minute in Abidjan.
Moses Simon provided the crucial assist, delivering a cross that Lookman expertly converted. Angola, aiming for their first semi-final appearance, had an early chance in the fourth minute, with Stanley Nwabali making a crucial save to deny Mabululu’s close-range volley.
As the game unfolded, Angola’s Zine came close to equalizing just before the hour mark, capitalizing on a through-ball from Show, only to be thwarted by the post.
Despite VAR disallowing Victor Osimhen’s header for offside from Lookman’s free-kick, Nigeria managed to hold on, securing their place in the semi-finals and setting up a clash with either Cape Verde or South Africa.
