Nigeria is in the final of the African Cup of Nations.
Nigeria secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals as Ademola Lookman’s goal in the first half sealed a 1-0 victory over Angola in the quarter-finals on Friday. The decisive goal came in the 41st minute, when Lookman finished off a swift run down the left by Moses Simon, who skillfully evaded defender Kialonda Gaspar. Simon then set up Lookman for his third goal of the tournament.
This win sets up a semi-final clash on Wednesday against either the Cape Verde Islands or South Africa, who are set to play their quarter-final match on Saturday. With 13 semi-final appearances in their last 15 Cup of Nations tournaments, Nigeria has emerged as a favorite in a competition where many top contenders have already been eliminated.
While Angola had opportunities, including a close chance early on with a shot saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili, they couldn’t match Nigeria’s performance. Angola fell short despite hitting the woodwork in the 59th minute through substitute Zini.
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and others had their chances, with Osimhen even having a goal disallowed after a VAR check. The frustrating night it was continued for Osimhen, who, in the 80th minute, failed to convert a promising opportunity provided by Lookman, getting dispossessed by the Angolan defense.
