ABIDJAN: Ademola Lookman scored both goals as Nigeria defeated old rivals Cameroon 2-0 on Saturday to march on to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Nigerians had an early Semi Ajayi goal disallowed following a VAR review in this last-16 clash before the constant pressing and bullying of the Cameroon defence by Victor Osimhen led to Lookman finding the net in the 36th minute.

A team that has become impermeable at this Afcon then kept the Indomitable Lions at bay before Lookman made sure of the victory in the 90th minute in front of 22,085 fans at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

They will now return to the same venue for a last-eight meeting next Friday with Angola, who earlier defeated Namibia 3-0.

“I am very happy with my boys. I think our team did a very good job against a very good team. We deserved to win,” insisted Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro.

Meanwhile, Cameroon coach Rigobert Song said a lack of experience cost his side as they go home.

“I have a young team and players who are learning at this level,” he admitted. “They will learn and improve from their mistakes. In two or three years from now it will be the same players but a different team.”

Nigeria showed showed much improved form after a largely uninspiring showing in the group phase where they finished second in their section.

Osimhen made the first goal by closing down defender Oumar Gonzalez and robbing him of the ball before unselfishly feeding it to his right to Lookman whose shot was close to goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa but somehow sneaked under him into the net.

Lookman set up Ola Aina with a chance in the 85th but it was blocked before a clever passing move with Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey saw Lookman finish at the near post in the 90th minute.

DALA BRACE

Angola’s Gelson Dala scored twice as they thrashed neighbours Namibia to claim their biggest ever Cup of Nations finals win.

They had an early setback when goalkeeper Neblu received a red card and they were under pressure from a Namibia side that looked the most likely to find the net.

But the game turned when Gelson opened the scoring after 38 minutes, Namibia defender Lubeni Haukongo received a red card shortly afterwards and the Angola forward completed his double from the resulting free-kick. Angola added a third goal through Mabululu in the second period.

Angola were reduced to 10 men after 17 minutes when Neblu handled the ball outside the box as he stopped Bethuel Muzeus chipped shot.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Angola took the lead with a superbly constructed goal. Fredy was played into space on the right-hand side of the box and his low cross provided a tap-in for Gelson.

Two minutes later and it was 10 players each as Namibia defender Haukongo received a needless second yellow card and was sent off.

From the resulting free kick, the same two players combined for Angolas second goal. Fredy delivered the set-piece and Gelson headed home for his fourth goal of the tournament.

Mabululu burst into the box after a quick counter-attack and curled a fine finish in at the far post to kill the contest.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2024