2023 AFCON: Nigeria v Angola report

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria celebrates his goal with teammate Taiwo Awoniyi during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers game between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria on 10 September 2023 © Justina Aniefiok/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Friday Feb 02, 2024. 21:31

Nigeria beat Angola 1-0 in Friday night’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal encounter which was played at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Date: 2 February 2024

Nigeria (1) 1 (Lookman 41′)

Angola 0

First 45’:The two teams were able to create chances in the opening 30 minutes of the match with Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali forced to deny Mabululu just four minutes into the game. Nwabali’s Angolan counterpart, Antonio was then called into action in the 24th minute which saw him save a headed attempt by Victor Osimhen. However, Antonio was beaten in the 41st minute by Ademola Lookman who turned home Moses Simon’s cross and Nigeria were leading 1-0 at half-time.

Second 45’: Angola pushed for the equalising goal after the restart and they were unlucky not to score when substitute Zini hit the upright in the 59th minute with Nwabali well beaten. Nigeria were still dangerous whenever they launched and Antonio had to pull off a fabulous save to deny Zaidu Sanusi from a free-kick in the 64th minute. Osimhen thought he had doubled his side’s lead when he netted in the 75th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside and ultimately, Nigeria emerged as 1-0 winners.

What’s next: Nigeria progressed to the semifinals where they will face either Cape Verde or South Africa on 7 February. Angola, on the other hand, crashed out of the tournament and will now travel back home.