Nigeria is set to reach the AFCON finals
Ademola Lookman’s brace secured Nigeria’s place in next weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, as they defeated long-time rivals Cameroon 2-0 in the round of 16 on Saturday.
Lookman’s 36th-minute goal at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium started the scoring, and he added a second on the stroke of full time as Nigeria dominated Cameroon.
They will meet Angola in the last eight in Abidjan next Friday, after the Angolans defeated Namibia 3-0 in Bouake earlier on Saturday in the first round of knockouts.
While Lookman’s double contributed significantly to the victory, Nigeria’s African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen demonstrated exceptional work ethic and led his team to victory.
It was exactly what Nigeria deserved, as they shown much improved form following a generally lackluster performance in the group stages, finishing second in their area.
Osimhen scored the first goal after closing down defender Oumar Gonzalez and stripping him of the ball before unselfishly passing it to Lookman on his right, whose shot came close to goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa but crept under him into the net.
“We’re into the quarterfinals and we’ve worked so hard to be there,” Lookman said. “We’re behind each other and we don’t take anything for granted. And I think it shows in our work ethic, how we fight for each other, how we defend, how we attack. So that’s the way we celebrate.”
“It’s not easy to stop that guy,” Nigeria coach José Paseiro said. “It’s fantastic for a team with very good players, when one good striker can defend like an attack.
