Lookman scores again as Nigeria edge past Angola into AFCON semi-finals

Ademola Lookman's goal secured Nigeria's spot in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 1-0 victory against Angola. This win further adds to their impressive quarter-final record, as they have only suffered one defeat in their last 11 matches at this stage of the competition.

The Black Sable Antelopes had defied expectations by making it to the quarterfinals of this tournament for the first time since 2010. They started off strong and gave their esteemed opponents a scare when Gilberto flicked on Fredy's corner to Mabululu, who was denied by Stanley Nwabili.

Nigeria gradually found their rhythm in the game, with Victor Osimhen missing a chance from Frank Onyeka's delivery. Osimhen had another opportunity, this time from Moses Simon's assist, but his header went straight into Antonio Dominique's hands.

Although Osimhen was Nigeria's main threat, he struggled to find his range after heading wide from Ola Aina's long throw.

However, it was Lookman who broke the deadlock for the Super Eagles with a clinical finish at the end of a devastating counterattack. Simon skillfully evaded Kialonda Gaspar's challenge and set up Lookman to smash the ball into the net.

In the second half, Jose Peseiro's team aimed to tighten their grip on the game, with early chances falling to Alex Iwobi and Zaidu Sanusi. Angola, on the other hand, lacked the same confidence they had before Lookman's goal.

After Calvin Bassey's header missed the target, Angola came close to equalizing. Show played a perfectly weighted pass to substitute Zini, who struck the post with a close-range shot.

Osimhen seemed to have finally scored from Lookman's free-kick, but VAR disallowed the goal due to a marginal offside call. Unfortunately, it was not Osimhen's night as Gaspar denied him a chance to double Nigeria's lead with a shot inside the box.

However, the Super Eagles managed to prevail against a determined Angolan team, who can still be proud of their performance despite falling short of reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

In the meantime, Nigeria's pursuit of a fourth AFCON title will carry on as they prepare to face the victors of the Cape Verde versus South Africa match on February 7th in Bouaké.