How Super Eagles gagged & slayed Indomitable Lions

By Adeola Omotola Last updated Jan 28, 2024

Nigeria's forward #18 Ademola Lookman (L) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Cameroon at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 27, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

How Nigerian Super Eagles Gagged, Slayed Cameroonian Indomitable Lions and Soared

The Nigerian Super Eagles made the whole country happy yesterday night when they faced the five-time African champions in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.

The national team of Nigeria was not fantastic in the group stage even though it qualified with seven points. The team drew Equatorial Guinea in the first match, scored a penalty against hosts Ivory Coast in the second match and relied on an own goal to beat Guinea Bissau. That’s how the Super Eagles made it to the knockouts with seven points.

The unsatisfactory performance in the group stage made Nigerian fan doubt the readiness of the team to win the fourth title for the country. They commented that the team wouldn’t be able to make it past Cameroon, a side boosted by availability of Vincent Aboubakri.

However, the eagles were quick to score a goal in the first half from the very first corner kick. Semi Ajayi headed home the ball only for the Video Assistant Referee to chalk off the goal that it’s an offside.

Not deterred, Super Eagles continued to play the ball with fantastic attack and solid defence. In the 38th minute, Ademola Lookman tapped in Victor Osimhen’s pass and there was a roar that the Super Eagles were going to soar over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Truly, a one-goal lead is quite unreliable. Nigerians were eager to see the second goal in the net of the opponent so as to sit back and enjoy their popcorns. The Cameroonians created some chances in the second half, but the Nigerian Super Eagles dominated the half as they did the first.

Ademola Lookman was handy to utilize the assist provided by Calvin Bassey in the 90th minute. He recorded a brace against the Cameroonian side. The second goal actually came at the best time as it left no chance for the East African team to do any comeback.