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Ahmed Musa (left) celebrates Odion Ighalo, double scorer and decisive passer with Nigeria against Cameroon. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters

Nigeria won Saturday (July 6th) in Alexandria in the round of 16 against Cameroon, in this final before time (3-2). The champions of Cameroon, were defeated before leading the race and finally losing. Clarence Seedorf's men are coming home.

With our special envoy to Alexandria,

Three finals of CAN against Nigeria and three honors for Cameroon. Suffice to say that the Super Eagles were eager to show that the Indomitable Lions could be winners in this round of 16, worthy of a meeting for the title.

If the Nigerians have drawn the first, the result will be less serene for the men of Gernot Rohr, until the hour of play.

Ola Aïna wrestling with Clinton Njie in Nigeria-Cameroon. Pierre René-Worms / RFI

Sacred Odion Ighalo

Under the eyes of Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu, compatriot Odion Ighalo opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Striker against Burundi at the first meeting of the group stage, the top scorer qualifies then his team, more enterprising early in the game. He put the cover back in the 63rd minute to allow the Nigerian to equalize (2-2). Meanwhile, much has happened on the lawn of Alexandria Stadium.

The first Cameroonian replica came in the 41st minute by Stephane Bahoken, who had appeared in the back of Kenneth Omeruo to beat the Super Eagles goalkeeper from close range. Just before the break, Marseille Clinton Njie doubled the lead by winning his duel, (44th). In the 51st minute, Cameroon is close to 3-1. Clinton Njie, still him, is thrown into the penalty area right and center without control. Ola Aïna deflects the ball and forces Daniel Akpeyi to a reflex stop.

Finally, Alex Iwobi allows the Super Eagles to regain confidence and advantage on the scoreboard with a third goal (66th). Odion Ighalo, who inherits a ball, transmits it in the meantime to the player of Arsenal, while the defense is absent. Alex Iwobi appears in the box and beats André Onana. Nigerians then lead 3-2. In the 76th minute, Onana saves Cameroon after a resumption of the right of Ighalo, elected man of the match, which misses the goal of the KO still in the 82nd.

The return of the Super Eagles

Nigeria, who was beaten by Madagascar in their third game (2-0), continues the title race after the coronation of 2013 in South Africa and a long absence (2015 and 2017 editions).

Christian Bassogog, on the ground, after the elimination of Cameroon from CAN 2019 against Nigeria. Suhaib Salem / Reuters

The last time the two neighbors had to cross iron was in 2004. The Super Eagles had eliminated the Lions Samuel Eto'o, present tonight, in the quarterfinals in Tunisia.

" I hope we'll see each other again next week ," said Gernot Rohr, who appreciates his stay in Egypt. The Franco-German coach will be able to stay in the land of the Pharaohs. The Indomitable Lions must pack their bags. Cameroon, quarter-finalist at the World Cup 90 in Italy, defending title, returns home.

READ ► CAN 2019: Calendar, results and standings of the Africa Cup

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