Nigeria's Super Eagles clashed with Angola in the quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Palancas Negras were on a quest to reach the semi-finals for the first time in history, while the Super Eagles were eyeing a record 16th trip to the last four.
In spite of Angola's best efforts, it was Nigeria that came out on top, thanks to Ademola Lookman's stunning goal.
On that note, these are our Nigeria vs Angola player ratings for the Super Eagles:
Super Eagles Player Ratings for Nigeria vs Angola
Stanley Nwabali – 7.5
Super Eagles fans were concerned about Stanley Nwabali‘s injury status ahead of this match, and for good reason.
The Chippa United shot-stopper has been a breath of fresh air, after the team struggled to keep clean sheets late last year.
Nwabali made a couple of fine saves, keeping his fourth consecutive clean sheet in the process. He has now gone over 400 minutes without conceding.
Semi Ajayi – 6.8
Semi Ajayi did a solid job, as he was part of a defensive line that prevented a free-scoring Angola from finding the net for the first time in this tournament.
However, the West Bromwich Albion player was 0 for 3 on ground duels, and 1 for 3 on aerial duels.
William Troost-Ekong – 7.5
With seven clearances and a blocked shot, William Troost-Ekong proved his mettle. The Super Eagles captain lost possession just four times in 90 minutes of play.
Calvin Bassey – 7.0
Calvin Bassey continues to be rock-solid for Nigeria. Although this wasn't his best performance at AFCON 2024, the Fulham player did his part defensively.
Ola Aina – 7.4
Ola Aina completed 35 of 40 passes (88%) on Friday. He did his part offensively whilst dropping back to defend, with four tackles, two interceptions and a clearance.
Frank Onyeka – 7.0
Frank Onyeka contested four aerial duels and won all of them. He was all over the place, with 53 touches in 87 minutes.
Alex Iwobi – 7.4
Alex Iwobi was very efficient with his passing, completing 85 percent (39/46) of his passes.
Three of Nigeria's 13 shots came from the former Arsenal player, although two of them were blocked and one went off target.
Zaidu Sanusi – 7.0
With five clearances, two interceptions and a tackle, Zaidu Sanusi helped the Super Eagles choke an Angola team that had scored eight times in their previous three matches. He also completed 84 percent of his passes on Friday.
Moses Simon – 7.8
After a couple of disappointing performances, Moses Simon is finally starting to find his stride.
Prior to this game, the Nantes player had struggled to beat his markers, as two of his seven dribble attempts were successful.
However, Simon completed more dribbles (3/4) than he had in his first four matches combined.
The 28-year-old also set-up Nigeria's only goal of the game.
Ademola Lookman – 8.0
Ademola Lookman has apparently peaked in the knockout stages of this competition.
He had just one assist to his name in the group stages, but has now scored three times in two matches since then.
The Atalanta player joins Rashidi Yekini, Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Odion Ighalo as the only Super Eagles players to score at least three goals in the knockout stages of the Nations Cup.
Victor Osimhen – 7.2
Victor Osimhen was a constant thorn in the flesh of the Angolans, as they struggled to contain the Napoli player.
Although Osimhen did score, his goal was flagged offside.
What's next for the Super Eagles?
Jose Peseiro's men will advance to the semi-final for the 16th time.
They'll meet the victor of the Cape Verde vs South Africa game in the next round.
