Roar to scare the Super Eagles. This is the mission of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon against Nigeria, during the first shock of the round of 16 of the 2024 African Cup of Nations (CAN), Saturday January 27. A prestigious match between two giants of African football who have eight African Cups between them – five for the Cameroonians and three for the Nigerians.

Read alsoThe program for the round of 16 of CAN 2024

Qualification was not easy for Rigobert Song's players who, after a draw against Guinea and a defeat against Senegal, had no other choice than to win against Gambia to hope to qualify. hoist in eighths.

A mission finally accomplished at the end of a completely crazy match. Trailing (2-1) in the 85th minute – and on the verge of elimination – the Cameroonians came back to the score thanks to an own goal from James Gomez, before a cross header from Christopher Wooh offered the victory for his team a few moments later. A success ensuring the Indomitable Lions second place in their group, synonymous with qualification.

Strong post-match image: the boss of Cameroonian football, Samuel Eto'o – former star player of the national team and double winner of the CAN in 2000 and 2002 – celebrating the victory and qualification of the Indomitable Lions in the locker room .

Samuel Eto'o got emotional with his boys' comeback! 🫶 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 l @FecafootOfficie pic.twitter.com/pDw8sfDbHD

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 23, 2024

“When people think we are dead and in difficulty, we are there”

“I think that what happened today gives us a boost to approach the match of the round of 16,” declared Fabrice Ondoa, goalkeeper of the Cameroon team, at the microphone of France 24 just after the qualification of the Indomitable Lions.

“We showed that we were united, that we didn't give up, that we were a group in the making. And when people think we are dead and in difficulty, we are there. We had already shown it during the qualification of the World Cup and again [today]. So I have the impression that it is also part of our DNA,” said Sébastien Migné, assistant coach of the Cameroonian selection.

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, captain of Cameroon. © Laura Mousset-Diallo, France 24

Against Nigeria, Cameroon will have to show the same determined face as against Gambia. Undefeated since the start of the tournament, with their two victories against Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau, and their draw against Equatorial Guinea, the Super Eagles secured their place in the round of 16 of a CAN for the 17th time in their history.

"I think collectively and the goal is to win. We are moving forward in the competition and we will go for a good result in the next match," Christopher Wooh said in a press conference after the victory against Gambia.

“Old Rivals”

“Get ready for our next encounter against our old rivals, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Abidjan,” reads the Super Eagles’ X account.

Bracing up for our next encounter against our old rivals, The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Abidjan in the R16 #soarsupereagles #LetsDoItAgain #ourafcon #africantootball #afcon2023 pic.twitter.com/319aPPCBpb

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 24, 2024

Cameroon and Nigeria have already faced each other three times in the final of a CAN: in 1984, 1988 and 2000. The Indomitable Lions won all three times.

And it is precisely in the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny stadium – where Saturday's meeting will take place – that Cameroon won the 1984 final and its first African champion title. Rigobert Song's players will try to make history repeat itself.

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