Lookman’s Artistry Secures Super Eagles’ Place in AFCON Semifinals

Ademola Lookman, donning the #18 jersey for Super Eagles of Nigeria, once again assumed
the role of the hero. His seamless connection with a Moses Simon cross illuminated the
 41st minute, placing the Super Eagles in the forefront. This singular goal proved to
 be the passport that ensured Nigeria’s esteemed position in the final four of the
competition.

A jubilant scene unfolded at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on
February 2, 2024, as Ademola Lookman celebrated his team’s triumph during the Africa
Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 quarter-final clash against Angola.
Despite Osimhen’s net-finding efforts being thwarted by VAR due to an offside ruling,
 the Super Eagles adeptly managed to navigate the game’s conclusion before an audience
 of 18,757 in Abidjan. The Napoli superstar, Africa’s reigning footballer of the year,
 remains at a solitary goal in this AFCON. However, Nigeria’s success has been anchored
 in a formidable defense that has now maintained four consecutive clean sheets.

The three-time continental champions now gear up for a last-four encounter next
Wednesday against either Cape Verde or South Africa in the central Ivorian city of
Bouake. The outcome of the quarter-finals between these two sides on Saturday will
determine the Super Eagles’ next adversary.

As Angola bids farewell to the competition, this Cup of Nations will be etched in
history as a triumph for the Black Antelopes. Their victory in a knockout tie marked
a watershed moment in their football history.

Despite their valiant efforts, Angola fell short on this occasion, unable to
replicate their success against Namibia in the previous round.
Jose Peseiro’s Nigeria struggled to match the heights reached against Cameroon six
days earlier, undoubtedly impacted by the intensifying heat and humidity,
which proved more energy-sapping than in previous stages of the competition.

Angola’s early attempt at taking the lead was thwarted by Stanley Nwabili,
the Nigerian goalkeeper, who, having passed a fitness test, proved pivotal in
denying Mabululu’s near-post effort from a corner. Osimhen’s header attempts
 were also nullified, leaving it to Lookman, the Atalanta forward and former
England Under-21 international, to shatter the deadlock in the 41st minute.
Moses Simon’s impeccable pass, coupled with his acceleration away from Kialonda Gaspar,
 set the stage for Lookman’s emphatic finish, etching another chapter of triumph in
Nigeria’s AFCON journey.