Nigeria's Super Eagles claimed a 2-0 win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday, January 27, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.
Both teams battled it out for a place in the quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).
It was the Super Eagles who came out on top in a tightly-contested fixture, thanks to Ademola Lookman's brace.
Lookman's goal gives Nigeria a lead at half-time
Given that Nigeria fared better than their opponents in the group stages, the Super Eagles were the bookies' favourites to win this match.
Although Cameroon had scored six times in the group stages, they never really threatened the Super Eagles in the first half. In fact, the Indomitable Lions managed just two shots in the first 45 minutes, and neither went on target.
Nigeria looked like the better side in the first half, and while the Super Eagles did score just after the 10-minute mark, Semi Ajayi's goal was ruled offside.
Jose Peseiro's men finally drew first blood 10 minutes before half-time, as Napoli's Victor Osimhen was able to capitalise on Oumar Gonzalez's blunder, setting up Ademola Lookman for Nigeria's first goal.
Although Cameroon's coach Rigobert Song was likely disappointed, it's worth mentioning that he committed a similar mistake 16 years ago at the final of AFCON 2008.
A near-identical mistake led to a near identical goal, which cost the Indomitable Lions the AFCON title.
Although Cameroon had more of the ball (57% possession) in the first half, the Super Eagles had more shots (3), and more shots on target (3).
Super Eagles send Indomitable Lions packing
Cameroon tried to get back on level terms in the second half, but all their efforts were futile.
Unfortunately for the Super Eagles, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was injured after clashing with Cameroon's Georges-Kévin N'Koudou. The Chippa United shot-stopper was replaced with Omonia Nicosia's Francis Uzoho.
Things seemed to be looking up for Cameroon, as Vincent Aboubakar came in for Oumar Gonzalez just after Nwabali's injury.
However, Lookman found the net once more, doubling Nigeria's lead at the 90-minute mark.
Interestingly, Cameroon didn't register a shot on target in 90 minutes of play.
What this result means for both teams in AFCON 2024
With their victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Nigeria have now booked a place in the AFCON 2024 quarter-finals and are three wins away from their fourth Nations Cup title.
They'll meet Angola, who cruised through a comfortable 3-0 victory over Namibia earlier on Saturday.
On the other hand, the road ends in the Round of 16 for the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
