9 months ago
109 In a commanding performance at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Saturday, January 27, 2024, Nigeria’s Super Eagles soared to a decisive 2-0 victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Coach Jose Peseiro’s strategic brilliance saw the Super Eagles form a solid defensive shape, conceding possession to Cameroun yet emerging victorious. The Nigerian defense, led by captain Troost-Ekong, showcased exceptional solidity.
This article, penned by Dr. Mumini Alao, delves into eight compelling talking points, capturing the essence of Nigeria’s triumph over their historical rivals and the extension of their unbeaten run against the Indomitable Lions.
1. Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro’s tactics were spot on. Conceding possession to Cameroun who had 58% to Nigeria’s 42% allowed the Super Eagles to keep their defensive shape throughout. Solid!
2. The Nigerian defence marshalled by captain Troost-Ekong was so solid that Cameroun did not get a single shot on target in 100 minutes of exhilarating football. Remarkable!
3. Semi Ajayi’s “goal” was disallowed for offside because there was only one Cameroun player ahead of him when he scored. Ajayi was ahead of the Lions goalkeeper who was off his goal line. Correct decision!
4. Victor Osimhen’s assist for Ademola Lookman’s first goal was “armed robbery” personified as he single-handedly muscled Cameroun’s defender Gonzalez off the ball to set up Lookman. Warrior!
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5. Ademola Lookman’s second goal came from Nigeria’s best move of the game as his interplay with Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey on the left wing caught the Lions napping. Beautiful!
6. Cameroun’s late substitute Vincent Aboubakar who was the top goal scorer at the last AFCON could not land a single blow on Nigeria’s defence despite his huffing and puffing. Toothless!
7. Nigeria’s substitute goalkeeper Francis Izoho hardly touched the ball in his 20-minute appearance in place of the injured Stanley Nwabali as the Eagles erected a fortress in front of their goal. Spectacular!
8. The Super Eagles extended their recent unbeaten run against the Indomitable Lions who had been Nigeria’s nemesis in three previous AFCON finals, 1984, 1988, and 2000. Pussycats!
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