Nigeria beats Cameroon 2-0, advances to Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with Ademola Lookman’s stellar performance

Nigeria secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a convincing victory over Cameroon. Ademola Lookman played a crucial role in ensuring their progression, scoring early in the game and adding a second goal late in the contest. Despite Cameroon’s efforts, they couldn’t break through the solid defense of the Super Eagles, allowing Nigeria to maintain their aspirations for AFCON success.

Ademola Lookman scored twice, propelling Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 2-0 triumph over Cameroon. The former Everton, Fulham, and Leicester midfielder secured The Super Eagles’ spot in the last eight with goals in each half. Despite an early scare with Semi Ajayi’s disallowed goal, Nigeria continued to dominate, with Lookman finding the net in the 36th minute after being set up by Victor Osimhen. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili’s injury in the 75th minute marred the night for Jose Peseiro’s side, but Lookman sealed the victory with a precise finish from Calvin Bassey’s cross in stoppage time. Nigeria now looks ahead to a quarter-final clash with Angola.

TALKING POINT – OSIMHEN LEADS NIGERIA TO COMFORTABLE WIN OVER DISAPPOINTING CAMEROON

Cameroon’s five-time AFCON-winning campaign ends on a dismal note as they exit without putting up much of a fight. After barely progressing from the group stages with a damaging loss to Senegal and a desperate comeback against Gambia, Rigobert Song’s team faced a dominant Nigeria.

Osimhen, who faced criticism for lackluster performances in the group stages, stepped up and inspired The Super Eagles. Despite not adding to his goal tally, the African Player of the Year played a key role in creating the opening goal and consistently challenged the opposition’s defense throughout the match.

If Osimhen can maintain this level of performance in the upcoming matches, Nigeria will believe they have a strong chance of securing their fourth AFCON title.

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PLAYER OF THE MATCH – VICTOR OSIMHEN (NIGERIA)

The standout performer was exceptional throughout the match, contributing defensively from the front, utilizing his pace and intelligent movement to stretch the Cameroon defense. Crucially, Osimhen provided the assist for the decisive breakthrough goal.

PLAYER RATINGS

Nigeria: Nwabali 6, Aina 7, Ekong 7, Ajayi 7, Bassey 8, Sanusi 7, Onyeka 7, Iwobi 7, Lookman 8, Simon 6, Osimhen 8*.. subs: Omeruo N/A, Osayi-Samuel N/A, Onuachu N/A

Cameroon: Ondoa 4, Wooh 4, Gonzalez 5, Castelletto 5, Tolo 6, Zambo 5, Ntcham 5, Ngamaleu 5, Nkoudou 5, Magri 7, Toko 5.. subs: Aboubakar N/A, Moumbagna N/A

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

12’ – DISALLOWED GOAL! Nigeria takes the lead, but Ajayi’s goal is ruled out for offside. Ondoa punches away a Lookman cross, but Cameroon fails to clear. Iwobi delivers another cross, and Ajayi slots it home. However, the referee checks the monitor, and the goal is disallowed, rightly so for offside. A relief for Cameroon.

36’ – GOAL! NIGERIA 1-0 CAMEROON (ADEMOLA LOOKMAN): Osimhen sparks life into the game, setting up Nigeria’s first goal. The Napoli forward seizes on a defensive error, looks up, and threads it to Lookman, whose shot slips through Ondoa’s grasp and rolls over the line!

55’ – LOOKMAN NEAR MISS! From the ensuing free-kick at the edge of the box in a central position, Lookman narrowly misses the top of the bar with a well-taken effort.

90’ – GOAL! NIGERIA 2-0 CAMEROON (ADEMOLA LOOKMAN): Lookman scores a brace, securing Nigeria’s place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. The former Everton midfielder makes a near-post run and slots home a cross, igniting celebrations among Nigeria fans!

KEY STAT

Nigeria has reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the 16th time.