Lookman sends Nigeria into AFCON semi-final

Ademola Lookman scored the only goal in the first half as Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 in their quater-fian AFCON encounter in Abidjan on Friday.

The winger was the difference as the Super Eagles made the last four in a match  between the highest and lowest ranked nations left in Ivory Coast.

The first ever AFCON match between both sides started with Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali called into action in the fourth minute to save Mabululu’s shot.

Osimhen would be on the next chance with a header that drew a comfortable save.

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The Super Eagles shaded possession and made it count on 41 minutes when Simon was sent into space by Sanusi and the winger put it on the plate for Lookman to place his shot high into the net.

The goal is Lookman’s third of the competition, making him the fourth Nigerian to reach the tally in the knockout rounds of AFCON after Austin Okocha, Rashidi Yekini and Odion Ighalo.

Angola had the first real chance of the second period when Zine was played through on goal but curled onto the base of the post as Nigeria survived the scare.

Osimhen then thought he had doubled the lead with a header the goalkeeper parried into his net but wild celebrations was cut short by VAR.

Both sides huffed and puffed but Nigeria held on to claim a deserved win.

The victory is the fourth consecutive for the Super Eagles without conceding a goal, setting an AFCON record for Nigeria.

Nigeria will face the winner of the quarter-final tie between Cape Verde and South Africa on February 7.