Lookman double puts Nigeria into Cup of Nations quarter-finals

Date:

Share post:

ABIDJAN, Jan 27 (Reuters) – Ademola Lookman’s brace ensured Nigeria a place in next weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals as they beat long-standing foes Cameroon 2-0 in the last 16 on Saturday.

Lookman’s 36th minute goal at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium opened the scoring and he contributed a second on the stoke of full time as Nigeria largely outplayed Cameroon.

They 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 of the knockout round games.

While Lookman’s double made him a key figure in the win, Nigeria’s African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen proved outstanding with his work rate and drove his team to victory.

It was as much as Nigeria deserved, showing much improved form after a largely uninspiring showing in the group phase where they finished second in their section.

Osimhen made the first goal by closing down defender Oumar Gonzalez and robbing him of the ball before unselfishly feeding it to his right to Lookman whose shot was close to goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa but somehow sneaked under him into the net.

Lookman had an opportunity for a second goal in the 56th minute from a free kick on the edge of the Cameroon penalty area as Osimhen’s pace continually troubled the Indomitable Lions.

Lookman set up Ola Aina with a chance in the 85th but it was blocked before a clever passing move with Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey saw Lookman finish at the near post in the 90th minute.

Nigeria also had the ball in the net after nine minutes but it was ruled out after a VAR check. Central defender Semi Ojayi was deemed to be offside before snapping up a rebound from close range after Ondoa twice attempted to punch clear from a corner.

Ondoa was again preferred to Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, left on the bench by Cameroon after his poor performance against Senegal last week.

Nigeria are through to the last eight for the 13th time in their past 14 Cup of Nations finals appearances.

On Sunday, giant-killers Equatorial Guinea play Guinea in Abidjan followed by a meeting in San Pedro between Egypt, without injured Mohamed Salah, and Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are more last-16 games scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, including hosts Ivory Coast against Senegal.

spot_img

Related articles

2026: Nigerian U16-Basketball Team prepares for Youth Olympic Games

In a significant step toward the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, Nigeria's Under-16 female basketball team...

Ember months: FRSC launches awareness campaign in Ebonyi

Abakaliki, Nigeria - Launching its 2024 Ember months awareness campaign in Ebonyi on Wednesday, the Federal Road Safety...

FG, IFAD-VCDP train 12 youth on equipment fabrication, maintenance

Awka, Nigeria - The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Value Chain Development...

Museum of West African Art Institute opens in Edo

Benin, Nigeria - The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) was opened on Tuesday at a preview opening...