A brace from Ademola Lookman ensured the Super Eagles of Nigeria condemned the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to a 2-0 defeat in the Round of 16 clash at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny on Saturday night.
The Atalanta forward scored before and after the interval to send Nigeria to the quarter-finals of the AFCON 2024.
After the game, the 26-year-old, who was awarded the Man-of-the-Match accolade, expressed that the players exerted considerable effort to secure the victory.
“We are so happy to qualify for the quarter-finals. We have an objective before the start of the competition,” he quipped.
Lookman further emphasised the collective effort and unity within the team.
“We have worked together as a team. Every player is ready to make a sacrifice for the team to succeed,” he remarked.
Lookman hails Super Eagles team spirit
The Nigerian forward attributed his individual success to the collective synergy of the team. Emphasising the importance of cohesion and continuity, Lookman stated, “The more we play together, the more fluid we become. I’m standing here now but this award reflects the whole team’s performance.”
His words underscore the team's commitment to unity and the development of a seamless playing style, highlighting the critical role of teamwork in their recent victory against Cameroon.
Super Eagles manage Cameroon game brilliantly at 1-0 up
The Super Eagles may have a minor goalkeeping error to thank for their goals- although Lookman deserves credit for his delightful finishes – but they could not have managed the game any better at 1-0 up.
Jose Peseiro's charges formed a solid defensive shape out of possession while ensuring they retained a counter-attacking threat to give the Cameroonians something to think about going the other way.
As Rigobert Song's men went more and more gung-ho as the minutes ticked away, Nigeria began to mount increasingly dangerous breaks.
Peseiro will be delighted with how professionally his team controlled proceedings throughout the game.
Are Nigeria on course to win their fourth AFCON trophy?
Emphatically. Officially. Undeniably.
There is an energy and self-belief coursing through the veins of the Super Eagles right now.
It has encouraged hopes they can defy the odds and win the coveted AFCON trophy that has eluded them since 2013.
Jose Peseiro's side are now billed to play the the Palencas Negras of Angola in a quater-finals clash on Friday February 2 at the Stade Félix–Houphouët–Boigny.
