Nigeria’s Super Eagles were the first side to book a semi-final berth at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after Ademola Lookman’s first-half goal ensured a 1-0 win over Angola’s Palancas Negras in the last eight on Friday.
Lookman has now scored in back-to-back games after bagging a brace against Cameroon in the round of 16.
Angola, who made their third quarter-final appearance and first AFCON clash with the Eagles, went into the game on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run.
Troost-Ekong made a timely block for a comer from a cross on four minutes to deny Angola an early advantage.
From the corner, Stanley Nwabali made a superb one-on-one save from a corner.
Meanwhile, Lookman finished off a flying run down the left by winger Moses Simon, who skipped the challenge of defender Kialonda Gaspar to break free and then teed up his teammate for his third goal of the tournament.
The 1-0 scoreline flattered Angola, who were second best for long periods of the game, and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen had a 75th-minute header ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Angola’s best chance fell to Zine, who rolled the ball against the base of the post when clean through on goal just before the hour mark.
It was another impressive defensive performance by the William Troost-Ekong-led backline who have now gone four consecutive games without conceding a goal.
Angola, ranked 117th in the world, had surprisingly won their group ahead of 2019 champions Algeria and Burkina Faso, but their wait for a first appearance in the last four goes on.
Super Eagles of Nigeria has been to 19 AFCON tournaments and reached the semi-finals 16 times.
Nigeria will face the winner of the quarter-final match between Cape Verde and South Africa on February 7 by 6pm at the Stade de la Paix, Bouaké.
Sportsbeep 