The minute was 85. The moment Cameroonians began to leave the Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium after it seemed like there was no comeback for them against the Super Eagles.
Ademola Lookman had added salt to injury when he completed his brace in additional time. It was a resounding victory for the Super Eagles in a rivalry clash dating back more than 40 years ago.
However, it is time to focus on the task ahead. The victory is now past the team and the moment the real battle begins as the quarterfinals are just a few hours ahead.
This time, not against rivals but against a team that has brought more sorrow to the football-loving country. Going home at this point will hurt more, knowing that it is just two games from “We Did It Again.”
So, at this point, let’s do it again, but it is all or nothing as we face Angola in the quarterfinals.
AFCON23: Super Eagles v Angola
The two teams have met on a few occasions in the past. The most notable was the 2006 World Cup qualifier games that saw Angola get the better of the Super Eagles in a two-legged affair.
The first leg was a 1-0 win for the Angolans, while the second leg finished 1-1 in Nigeria. That ended the road to Germany, the 2006 World Cup for the Super Eagles.
Before the World Cup qualifiers, one of the saddest moments of Nigerian football happened against Angola. Samuel Okwaraji had slumped in the 77th minute against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos.
Unfortunately, he never recovered.
Ahead of the quarterfinal clash in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles have every reason to go for revenge. But the Black Stable Antelopes have also been in good form in this tournament.
Just like Nigeria, who finished with 7 points in group stages and soared past Cameroon, the Angolans had 7 points in the group stages and cruised past Namibia in the round of 16. Both teams have been wonderful to watch in the tournament.
So, this is not a game the Super Eagles should approach arrogantly.
Super Eagles v Angola: “We are ready” – Jose Peseiro
In the training on Wednesday, Jose clearly said the team is “ready” for the Angola clash. The gaffer took charge of training, giving instructions, and ensuring every detail was done to perfection.
In his contract clause, the Portuguese is just a game away from his set target. A win against Angola confirms the target.
However, there is a little worry in the team. Stanley Nwabali is a strong doubt for the game. The goalkeeper remains in contention for the clash as he battles to be fit.
Jose had said he had “taken some tests, and they are waiting to see if he makes the match day squad.’
With the level of performance, especially against Cameroon, Jose understands that the performance must even get better against Angola.
Nigeria v Angola: Félix Houphouët-Boigny is home
The Angola game will be the Super Eagles’ third game at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium, locally called Le Felicia.
The first was the Guniea-Bissau game, the final game of the group stages.
The Super Eagles look to have settled in the stadium and have gathered the backing of the locals as they cheered them on against Cameroon.
With 2 wins out of 2 in the stadium, Le Felicia feels like home for the Super Eagles.
Let’s Do It Again – It’s All or Nothing
At this stage of the tournament, it is all or nothing for the Super Eagles. You go hard, or you go home. A win against Angola means it is just two games away from the trophy and a chance to be named among the four biggest teams of the tournament.
There is also a chance that the Super Eagles will soar higher in the FIFA rankings if they can get that far. So again, there is more than “let’s do it again” at stake.
Nigeria plays Angola on Friday, 6 pm Nigerian time.
Top photo: Justina Aniefiok