Ademola Lookman emerged as the undisputed hero for Nigeria on Saturday night, bagging a magnificent brace to secure a 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Cameroon and propel the Super Eagles into the quarter-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
The pulsating encounter at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny saw Nigeria extend their AFCON knockout stage dominance over Cameroon, repeating their 2019 round of 16 triumphs.
The Eagles thought they had taken an early lead but Semi Ajayi’s effort was ruled out for offside.
The opening goal arrived in the 36th minute, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Victor Osimhen. The Napoli striker dispossessed a Cameroonian defender deep in their half before laying the ball on a platter for Lookman, who coolly slotted past Fabrice Ondoa in the Indomitable Lions’ goal.
Cameroon pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but Nigeria struck again in the 90th minute. Calvin Bassey played a perfectly weighted pass to Lookman, who coolly finished past Ondoa to seal the win and send the Super Eagles into the quarterfinals.
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Nigeria will now face Angola in the quarter-finals. Angola beat Namibia 3-0 in their round of 16 match. The quarter-final tie will be played at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Wednesday.
