Nigeria, the last of the favorites for this CAN 2024, facing the “sensation” team of this edition, Angola, promised a good showing for this first quarter-final of the CAN 2024.

Two undefeated teams, with on one side, Angola, the best attack of the tournament, which counts in its ranks the best scorers still in the running, Gelson Dala (4 goals) and Mabululu (3), and the best passer, Fredy ( 3 passes).

On the other side, Nigeria, the best defense in the competition but which plays with the finest attack line on the continent: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.

On the pitch of the Houphouët Boigny stadium in Abidjan, the duel kept all its promises… for 15 minutes. The Black Antelopes opened hostilities with a corner from Fredy deflected by Gilberto onto Mabululu. His point-blank shot is deflected by Nwabali with the tip of his gloves (5th). The game is lively, the ball is circulating, and Osimhen tries to launch Nigeria with an angry header, which goes just over (15th).

“Tactical” match

After that, there was little or nothing left to eat in the first period, except a header on target from Osimhen captured by Signorini (24th). What could be described as a "tactical" match, specialties of the Portuguese coaches at the head of each team. An extremely solid defense, causing a lot of technical waste for powerless attackers.

On the other hand, when they manage to find the fault, it's quite beautiful to see: in a superb action on the left, Moses Simon drops Gaspar and crosses in front of the goal, where Osimhen diverts the attention of the defense. Lookman took the opportunity to deceive Signorini with a powerful shot under the bar (41st). The Antelopes finally wake up before the break, but to no avail.

With this advantage in the score, the Nigerians continued their undermining work in the second half, the fantastic 4 of the attack trying to wear down the Antelopes' defense. But neither Sanusi (48th) nor Iwobi (51st) manage to get on target. Angola tried to react: Zini found a gap in the defense and went for goal, but his shot bounced off the post (60th). It's poorly paid for the Black Antelopes, who seem to become discouraged as the minutes pass.

Nigeria ensures

The Super Eagles have this match in hand and are now looking to take cover. Simon's festival right into the surface is blocked at the last minute by Gaspar (62nd). Sanusi's free kick is captured by Signori (65th). Osimhen finally thinks to deliver his team by placing a header on a free kick from Lookman, but the goal is ultimately refused for offside (75th).

The end of the match is unbridled: Angola no longer has a choice and tries everything for everything. Which creates space for the Super Eagles, where Osimhen has fun. But despite the attempts on both sides, the score remains there. Nigeria, still undefeated, assumes its favorite status and advances to the quarter-finals, where it will face the winner of South Africa - Cape Verde.

Read alsoDiscover the quarter-final program

Read also Find the complete table of the final phase

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