Nigeria dealt with Cameroon in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup on Saturday night. This means that Erik ten Hag can soon welcome his goalkeeper André Onana back at Manchester United. Nigeria will face Angola in the quarter-finals.
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In a crucial round of 16 match at the Africa Cup, Cameroon faced a strong challenge from Nigeria.
The decision by the Cameroon coach to start Fabrice Ondoa over André Onana, the Manchester United goalkeeper, for the second game in a row, caught the attention of many. Ondoa, who is also Onana's cousin, had a rocky start, mistakenly setting up Nigeria for an early goal, which was later disallowed by VAR due to an offside.
Nigeria, on the other hand, displayed a formidable lineup with significant contributions from players with past affiliations to European clubs. William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey, both with past experiences in the Dutch league, started for Nigeria. Additionally, the presence of Kenneth Omeruo and Ahmed Musa, both of whom have played in the Dutch Eredivisie, added depth to Nigeria's bench.
The game's decisive moment came from Nigeria's Victor Osimhen, who outpaced Oumar Gonzalez of Cameroon to assist Ademola Lookman in scoring the first goal. This goal demonstrated the agility and tactical prowess of the Nigerian team. Despite Cameroon holding possession for most of the game, they failed to convert it into scoring opportunities, highlighting Nigeria's defensive strength and strategic gameplay.
The match progressed with Nigeria maintaining control and thwarting Cameroon's attempts to equalize. The resilience of José Peseiro's squad was evident as they efficiently managed the game. Near the end of the match, Lookman clinched his second goal, securing a comfortable lead for Nigeria. This goal, a result of an excellent cross from Bassey, underscored the team's collaborative effort and skillful execution.
Looking ahead, Nigeria's victory sets them up for a quarterfinal clash against Angola, who recently triumphed over Namibia. This upcoming match, scheduled for February 2nd at 18:00, promises to be an exciting encounter as Nigeria looks to continue their successful run in the tournament. The win against Cameroon not only boosts the team's morale but also positions them as a strong contender for the title in this prestigious African football competition.
