Nigeria vs Angola LIVE: Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final result, final score and reaction as Super Eagles win
The favourites for the 2024 Afcon take on an impressive Angola outfit who have top-scored at the tournament so far
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The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has reached the quarter-final stage and the first of those took place in Abidjan on Friday evening, with Nigeria knocking out Angola after a 1-0 victory.
It’s now four clean sheets in a row for the Super Eagles, who look defensively solid and to have a platform for success, despite possessing some of the best attacking talents with the likes of Victor Osimhen in their squad. Tonight though - as in the round of 16 - it was Ademola Lookman who scored the winner, netting in the first half for what turned out to be the only goal of the game.
Osimhen did find the back of the net but saw his goal ruled out for offside, while Angola rarely threatened to find a late equaliser in truth. Nigeria will play South Africa or Cabo Verde in the semis. Follow all the reaction to Nigeria vs Angola below and get all the latest Afcon odds and tips here.
30’ - Nigeria 0-0 Angola
Iwobi’s curled effort is blocked by the face of Gaspar, who needs some attention after that. The referee takes the opportunity to call for a cooling break.
28’ - Nigeria 0-0 Angola
A deep free-kick delivery from Fredy is over the Angola attackers and cleared initially, but the ball keeps coming back towards the Nigeria penalty box at the moment. Gilberto attempts a left-footed cross which is wayward too and the Super Eagles will have the chance to build in more patient fashion.
24’ - Nigeria 0-0 Angola
First real opening for Osimhen!The striker gets a sight of goal, leaps above his marker and nods goalwards to force the first big save of the game by Angola stand-in Antonio!
The Palancas Negras go back up the other end and attempt to get behind the Nigeria defence but Bassey and Ekong between them see off the danger.
20’ - Nigeria 0-0 Angola
First chance for Gelson Dala to run at the defence down the right flank, but he’s well held off and seen clear by left wing-back Zaidu.
Angola just building a little more possession, a little more time on the ball over the last five minutes, which they probably needed.
Osimhen is given a couple of longer passes to chase but he’s hounded out and kept quiet for now.
16’ - Nigeria 0-0 Angola
Lots of movement off the ball in the final third for the team in green, whereas the yellow shirts are so far relying a little more on direct passes and very quick runs to join up from deep.
Two contrasting styles which should make for an increasingly interesting clash here tonight.
12’ - Nigeria 0-0 Angola
The Super Eagles continue to press their advantage down the channels, with Iwobi looking to get involved moving from deep and a succession of set pieces bringing a little threat.
Aina is fouled outside the box, not spotted by the ref, and Angola clear their lines once more. Looks as though they will have to be near-perfect tonight to keep Nigeria out.
8’ - Nigeria 0-0 Angola
Nice work down the right by Simon and he gets a cross in - Estrela blocks the delivery then falls on the ball with his arm, but the referee waves away muted appeals for a penalty. Nigeria definitely looking alert and impressive when they get the ball into the final third.
4’ - Nigeria 0-0 Angola
Angola’s first attack down the right earns them a corner and it’s an incredible save from Nwabah! A flick on finds Mabululu just four yards out and he knocks it near post - the Nigeria goalkeeper gets down quickly, gets an arm or a shoulder to the ball and diverts it behind! Great stop.
1’ - Nigeria 0-0 Angola
Kick-off! We are underway - and a shooting chance inside 30 seconds for Nigeria, Osimhen opts against taking his chance and Aina’s effort is eventually blocked. Fast start, just what we want to see.
Nigeria vs Angola - LIVE
Anthems time in Ivory Coast. The crowd is building nicely, not a full stadium but with a good atmosphere early on.
Despite some graphics appearing to show a 4-3-3, Nigeria are almost certainly lining up with a back three - Calvin Bassey in the backline.
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