ABIDJAN – A first-half goal from Ademola Lookman was enough to see Nigeria overcome Angola and reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The former England Under-21 winger emphatically converted a cut-back from Moses Simon four minutes before the break in Abidjan.
The 1-0 scoreline flattered Angola, who were second best for long periods of the game, and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen had a 75th-minute header ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee.
Angola’s best chance fell to Zine, who rolled the ball against the base of the post when clean through on goal just before the hour mark.
Nigeria’s defender #5 William Troost-Ekong (C) celebrates after the victory at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 quarter-final football match between Nigeria and Angola at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on February 2, 2024. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
Nigeria will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa in the last four next Wednesday.
Nigeria’s players celebrate after the victory at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 quarter-final football match between Nigeria and Angola at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on February 2, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
