by Daniel Mfoniso
Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 to book their place in the quarter final of the on-going total energy African Cup of Nation thanks to a brace from Ademole Lookman.
Lookman’s 36th minute goal at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium opened the show as he met Victor Osimhen’s pass to squeeze a shot through goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa, who was chosen ahead of Manchester United’s Andre Onana, to give Nigeria the lead.
However, Cameroon survived an early scare when Semi Ajayi’s effort was chalked off having deemed to be offside by VAR. But the West African team’s effort and determination was seen from that very moment, with the Central African team managing to impact the game throughout.
Though The Golden Boot winner of the 2021 edition, Vincent Aboubakar, was introduced for his first appearance of the tournament but with just over 10 minutes of normal time remaining, the Cameroon striker failed to have any influence.
At the closing stage of the contest, the former Everton, Fulham and Leicester attacking midfielder added the second from a delightful cross from Calvin Bassey to secure the deserved victory for the Super Eagles who are now in the last eight of the tournament.
Therefore, Jose Peseiro’s side will face Angola in the last eight in Abidjan next Friday after the Angolans beat Namibia 3-0 in Bouake earlier on Saturday in the first game of the knockout round.
