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Nigeria (3-4-3): Nwabali; Bassey, Ajayi, Ekong; Zaidu, Onyeka, Iwobi, Aina; Lookman, Simon, Osimhen. Substitutes: Uzoho, Alhassan, Musa, Aribo, Chukwueze, Osayi, Iheanacho, Onuachu, Awaziem, Omeruo, Moffi.
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Angola (4-3-3): Signori; To Carneiro, Buatu, Gaspar, Afonso; Ribeiro, Show, Estrela; Gilberto, Mabululu, Dala. Substitutes: Keliano, Quinito, Zini, Milson, Kadu, Zito, Paz, Bela, Gelson, Ferreira.
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How we line up vs #Angola #soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain #ourafcon #afcon2023 pic.twitter.com/SysJOQiEBe
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 2, 2024
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We find ourselves down to the last eight at the Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria, DR Congo, Angola, South Africa, Mali, Cape Verde, Guinea and Ivory Coast all remain in the hat: an entirely new set of quarter-finalists from the previous tournament. Let’s be real, you rarely see that in the Champions League.
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With Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman of Atalanta leading their attack, Nigeria are firm favourites to progress into the semi-finals, but given the unpredictable nature of cup football in general – and this year’s tournament in particular – nothing can be taken for granted.
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The Super Eagles have been Afcon champions thrice: in 1980, 1994 and 2013. In marked contrast Angola have participated in the competition thrice: the first occasion was back in 2011 when they went all the way to the final only to lose 3-0 to Tunisia.
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Let’s hope for goals, excitement, and a generous helping of wholesome fun.
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Kick-off: 5pm GMT
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important events
33 minutes: A cooling break took some of the heat out of the match. Nigeria plays a little further back and then Angola does the same.
27 minutes: Thanks to Brian for pointing out via email that Lookman plays for Atalanta and not Udinese. There is such a thing as an excuse. I watched the Serie A match against Atalanta 0-0 Udinese in Bergamo last year. The match was a terrible one, with Lookman able to do little as well as his then-teammate Rasmus Højlund.
“Not a pendant, but I thought Ademola Lookman was still in Atalanta,” Brian wrote. “I say this as an Everton fan who longs for a parallel universe where they could keep his talent in the team. I hope Nigeria wins here, but I’d also be happy for a more interesting upset. .”
Anyway, it’s still 0-0 in this match. Commentators mention the high humidity in Abidjan. The players have a drink, aka a cooling off break.
25 minutes: This time, Simon is causing Angola’s defensive problems. Nigeria is in the lead. It will only be a matter of time before they score. Or will he regret not being able to turn this pressure into a goal?
23 minutes: Simon made a great crossover from Nigeria’s right side. Osimhen showed his quality by getting in front of his marker and sending a header on target. It’s a very decent effort, but coincidentally it hits straight into the keeper’s appreciative gloves.
20 min: Osimhen has had his boots stamped by Shaw, who is looking to strengthen Angola’s defense and give some protection to their defenders. Buatu then performs a defensive test where Osimhen is sent a long ball and chases it. The Angolan defenders do not panic and play the ball back cleanly for the goalkeeper.
18 minutes: Iwobi is once again a man who tries to encourage his teammates from the middle of the park. Angola look dangerous on the ball, but Aina pulls off a great challenge and cancels out any recent threats. Currently, Angola’s 4-3-3 seems to be lacking one midfielder.
17 minutes: Iwobi is enjoying plenty of touches in advanced areas. His pace is a bit slower than the average Premier League game, giving him a decent platform to showcase his skills.
14 minutes: Osimhen passes the ball at his feet like he’s not wearing it, but injects some excitement with a deft lay-off to Sanusi on Nigeria’s left. At first the shot was blocked, but the Super Eagles continued to attack and Osimhen finally curled a looping header into the roof of the net. When he got on the ball, the crowd roared with excitement.
12 minutes: Simon, a winger who plays for Nantes in Ligue 1, was brought down near the penalty area by Dalla, a rather cynical challenge from the Angolan. The referee has a word. Lookman stands on top of the set-piece and aims for a short free-kick to send him to the training ground. But it’s not great, and Angola can be cleared.
10 minutes: Angola had the best chances so far, but Nigeria looked the better team and were more comfortable in possession. Angola will be content if they can maintain a 0-0 lead and will look to break as far as possible.
6 minutes: Iwobi is once again showing its true potential in the developed areas of Nigeria. A cross is deflected back to Napoli’s Osimhen, but he is unable to get into the goal. However, a corner kick was awarded and Lookman caused some problems on Angola’s left flank. Eventually they clear the line.
4 minutes: Gilberto on the right side of Angola showed great steps and sprints. He played a low, early pass to Mavulu, and his teammate’s cross was cleared for a corner kick. From the corner kick, Mablelu flicks on and forces a close-range save from Nwabari! We almost got the first goal for the underdogs today.
1 minute: Nigeria will start from the front. Iwobi finds himself in a crowded box near the penalty spot. The ball was half cleared but the shot was blocked from the edge of the box.
Nigeria is green and Angola is bright yellow and red.
First half kickoff!
Let’s go!
I wish you success, TV coverage is about to begin. what are your predictions? Please send me the email!
team
Nigeria (3-4-3): Nuwabari; Bassey, Ajay, Ekong. Zaidu, Onyeka, Iwobi, Aina. Lookman, Simon, and Osimhen. Substitute: Uzoho, Alhassan, Musa, Aribo, Chukwueze, Osai, Iheanacho, Onuachu, Awaziem, Omeruo, Moffi.
Angola (4-3-3): Signori; to Carneiro, Buatu, Gaspar and Afonso. Ribeiro, Shaw, Estrella. Gilberto, Mabrulu, Dara. Substitute: Keriano, Quinito, Gini, Milson, Cadu, Zito, Paz, Vela, Gerson, Ferreira.
Arrangement and comparison #Angola #SoarSuper Eagles #let’s do this again #Olafucon #afcon2023 pic.twitter.com/SysJOQiEBe
— 🇳🇬Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 2, 2024
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preamble
They finished in the top eight at the African Cup of Nations. Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, South Africa, Mali, Cape Verde, Guinea and Ivory Coast all remain, an entirely new set of quarter-finalists from the previous tournament. To be honest, you rarely see that in the Champions League.
Nigeria, whose attack is led by Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, are clear favorites to advance to the semi-finals, but given the unpredictable nature of cup football in general and this year’s tournament in particular, nothing can be taken for granted. I can’t imagine that.
The Super Eagles have been Afcon champions three times: 1980, 1994 and 2013. Angola, by contrast, has participated in the competition three times. The first time was back in 2011, when they made it to the finals, but lost 3-0. Tunisia.
Expect a generous supply of purpose, excitement, and a healthy dose of fun.
Kickoff: 5pm GMT
