Nigeria advances to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Cameroon on Saturday night.
2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Result: Nigeria 2-0 Cameroon
Date: 27 January 2024
Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Nigeria recalled William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Zaidu Sanusi after the win over Guniea-Bissau, while Cameroon kept faith with Fabrice Ondoa over Andre Onana.
The Super Eagles thought they got off to the perfect start when Ajayi fired home from close range after Cameroon failed to clear their lines in the box but after a review on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor, the goal was ruled out for an offside.
Despite the early disallowed goal, the game continued to be played at a high tempo as both sides looked eager to go forward although the decision-making in the final third was not up to par.
The opening goal eventually arrived in the 36th minute as Victor Osimhen did well to win the ball high up the pitch before playing in Lookman, who saw his strike saved before converting the rebound.
With the Super Eagles still causing a number of problems in te early stages of the second half, Cameroon went close to pulling themselves level just before the hour mark as Nouhou Tolo sent his effort over the crossbar.
Indomitable Lions coach Song made his first change in the 77th minute, with veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar coming on for his first appearance of the tournament after missing the earlier matches through injury.
Nigeria, meanwhile, were forced to make a change soon after as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali picked up a knock and was replaced by Francis Ozho for the latter stages of the second half.
However, the Super Eagles ended any hope of a Cameroon comeback as Lookman completed his brace by turning home a cross from Calvin Bassey with a first-time finish.
The Super Eagles will now face Angola in the first quarter-final.
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