An Ademola Lookman’s goal in the first half earns Nigeria a win over Angola and a semi-final spot at the 2023 AFCON.
Man of the match, Simon Moses beat Kialondar Gaspar on the left wing before squaring a pass to Lookman to blast home for the only goal of the game.
Sportsintel provides five key insights featuring the good and the bad in the 1-0 win over Angola.
Super Nwabali:
The fitness of Stanley Nwabali was the talking point going into the game after he picked up an injury against Cameroon.
Super Nwabali had two moments where he kept Nigeria in the game, cementing his status as the number one.
Firstly, Gilberto flicked Fredy’s corner into the path of Mabululu, who was brilliantly denied by Stanley Nwabali in goal.
Subsequently, in the second half, Nwabaly made himself big to narrow the angle when Angola’s Zini was through on goal.
Zaidu’s Poisoned chalice:
Zaidu is a poison chalice for the team. He struggled in attack all tournament, but his defensive showing saved him, and today, he got dribbled in defence, getting the team into trouble before using his speed to get Nigeria out of trouble in defence.
Lookman and Moses on the Eagles’ wings
A man-of-the-match performance from Simon Moses and the deciding goal from Ademola Lookman ensured the Eagles flew over Angola.
Also, the two wingers put up a disciplined performance by helping the defence with their speed.
Moses Simon provided the assists for Ademola Lookman to score the only goal of the game.
Super Nwabali and A Defensive Master Class:
The Eagles once again shut out arguably the most lethal strike force in the AFCON. Coming into the match, Angola scored nine goals, with Mabulu and Dala combining for most of the goals.
Nine goal attempts by Angola with just two on-target prove the solidity of the Nigerian defence comprising Troost Ekong, Semiu Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey.
Furthermore, Zaidu and Ola Aina provide the extra legs in Defence.
This is the first time Nigeria has won four consecutive matches at a single AFCON edition without conceding a goal.