The Super Eagles of Nigeria soared into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals on Saturday night after a dominant 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Cameroon.
Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero of the hour, bagging a brace that sent the Indomitable Lions packing.
Lookman opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 26th minute, sending a wave of excitement through the Nigerian ranks.
Cameroon threatened a comeback, but just as the tension reached its peak, Lookman stepped up again, burying a second goal in the 90th minute to seal the win in dramatic fashion.
This victory signifies much more than just a quarterfinal berth for Nigeria. It extends their remarkable streak of reaching the AFCON knockout stages to a staggering 16 consecutive tournaments, showcasing their enduring excellence at the continental level.
Furthermore, it cements their recent dominance over Cameroon in AFCON history, adding to their triumphs over the Lions in 2004 and 2019.
Nigeria’s victory was built on a rock-solid defensive display, nullifying Cameroon’s potent attack. The Super Eagles’ backline held firm throughout, making their opponents work for every opportunity. Coupled with Lookman’s clinical finishing, this tactical blend proved to be the winning formula.
With Angola awaiting in the quarterfinals on February 2nd, Nigeria can approach the next stage brimming with confidence, fuelled by their impressive performance and Lookman’s heroics.