The Super Eagles showed that they had the means to aim higher than the Indomitable Lions. Nigeria never doubted on Saturday January 27 against Cameroon, helped by Victor Osimhen living up to his status as African player of the year. If the Nigerian star did not score himself, Lookman scored twice to send his team into the quarters.
When Cameroon and Nigeria face each other in the Africa Cup, they are always moments for history. The confrontation between the "Super Eagles" and the Indomitable Lions has transformed over time into a timeless classic, whatever the form of the two teams.
The “Félicia” stadium in Abidjan was also witness to the founding myth of this rivalry between the two African giants, eight African Cups between them. Cameroon won its first continental trophy against Nigeria. The first of three finals won against its neighbor: in 1984, in 1988 and especially in 2000 when the Indomitable Lions had the audacity to win the title in Lagos.
Osimhen untenable
If before the match, the two coaches minimized the weight of the historic rivalry between the nations, the players on the field decided to take responsibility. The two teams immediately put an intensity into the physical duels rarely seen in this 2024 edition. Contacts that the referee does not hesitate to whistle when he judges it to be more virile than correct.
The Super Eagles quickly sent their armada to attack the cage of Ondoa, still starting in place of Onana, who had once again become persona non grata in the selection. The game plan seems simple: serve Victor Osimhen.
This is good: the 2023 African Ballon d'Or seems to be everywhere. Receiving touches, on the wings, behind the defense, recovering and pressing, haranguing his partners... The Neapolitan has legs of fire and stands out by posing a danger permanent on a Cameroonian defense lacking certainty in this CAN: almost two goals conceded per match on average.
Spirited.
Threatening.
Courageous.
VICTOR OSIMHEN 🌟#NGACMR | #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/GzEOb2ibBg
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) January 27, 2024
However, it was Ajayi who took the ball across the goal line for the first time in the match. On a hazardous exit, Ondoa punches the ball straight at Iwobi. His shot is repelled by the Cameroonian goalkeeper, but the ball returns to Ajayi, who shoots in turn. If the "people's goalkeeper" hits the shot, it is in the back of the net. But after a long celebration, the VAR withdraws the goal from Nigeria (8th).
The real opening of the score will wait for a high recovery from Osimhen. The 2020 Marc-Vivien Foé Prize comes in the way of Christopher Wooh and steals the ball. Unbalanced by a limit load, he remains standing to slide at Lookman. Ondoa sees the ball slip under his flank (36th, 1-0)
“Osimhen! Osimhen! Oshimen!”, the stands are not mistaken about the hero of the evening, on a mission to win this CAN for his country.
Cameroon powerless
On the other hand, if we think for a time that we have found the indomitable Lions, the "Continent" of football, the refused goal quickly puts a blow on their head. The Cameroonians once again show the limits displayed during the group stage. Captain Frank Zambo-Anguissa may have raked up all the balls in midfield, but the Lions have their claws sliding around the Nigerian surface, like Magri.
The parades performed by Nwabali can be counted on the fingers of a one-handed tap dance. In desperation, the Cameroonians are increasing the charges on the Nigerian doorman. And finally, a huge buffer from N'Koudou forced him out, replacing Uzoho.
Read also Find the table for the final phase
Faced with the helplessness of his men, Rigobert Song throws the emblematic Vincent Aboubakar into the mix, just recovered from the injury which prevented him from playing in the CAN. But its first appearance will be transparent and it is Nigeria who ends up losing the match by taking advantage of a quickly played free kick (90th).
Cameroon appeared incapable of reversing the course of history. Indeed, since the 2000 final, it is always Nigeria which has won when it crosses paths with the Indomitable Lions during a decisive match at the CAN. By adding this victory after the one against Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Victor Osimhen now look good as winners. Angola, its next opponent, has been warned.
The France 24 summary of the week
invites you to look back at the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 application