Ademola Lookman’s Brace Guides The Super Eagles to Last Eight in Dominant Display
In a commanding performance, Nigeria advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 triumph over Cameroon, securing their spot in the last eight. Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero, netting both goals, as The Super Eagles proved too much for Cameroon to handle.
Former Everton, Fulham, and Leicester midfielder Lookman found the back of the net early in the match and sealed the victory with a second goal late in the contest. Despite Cameroon’s efforts, they were unable to breach the resilient Nigeria defense, leaving The Super Eagles with hopes of AFCON glory still intact.
Lookman’s first goal came in the 36th minute when he was played through by Victor Osimhen, managing to squeeze his shot past goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa. Inspired by Osimhen’s dynamic play, Nigeria continued to create opportunities in the second half, with Lookman’s free-kick narrowly missing the target.
However, the night was slightly marred for Jose Peseiro’s side with an injury to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili, who left the field in the 75th minute. Nevertheless, Lookman secured the victory with a tidy finish from Calvin Bassey’s cross in stoppage time, setting up a quarter-final clash with Angola for Nigeria.
The match saw the introduction of Vincent Aboubakar, the Golden Boot winner of the 2021 edition, for Cameroon, but his presence failed to influence the game. Cameroon’s campaign, marred by a 3-1 loss to Senegal and a desperate comeback victory over Gambia in the group stages, came to an end without putting up much resistance against a dominant Nigeria.
Nigeria’s standout player of the match was Victor Osimhen, who was instrumental in defending from the front, stretching the Cameroon defense with his pace and intelligent movement, and providing the crucial assist for Lookman’s breakthrough goal.
Player Ratings:
Nigeria: Nwabali 6, Aina 7, Ekong 7, Ajayi 7, Bassey 8, Sanusi 7, Onyeka 7, Iwobi 7, Lookman 8, Simon 6, Osimhen 8*
Cameroon: Ondoa 4, Wooh 4, Gonzalez 5, Castelletto 5, Tolo 6, Zambo 5, Ntcham 5, Ngamaleu 5, Nkoudou 5, Magri 7, Toko 5
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