Nigeria advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after clinching a hard-fought 1-0 win against Angola.
The game saw early action when Angolan forward Mabululu had the first shot on target in the 4th minute, but Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, made a superb save.
Despite a missed opportunity for Victor Osimhen from a cross by Frank Onyeka and another attempt saved in the 23rd minute, Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 41st minute. Moses Simon’s skillful play created an opening, allowing him to set up Ademola Lookman, who unleashed a powerful shot into the net.
Angola had a promising chance in the second half when Zini’s shot hit the woodwork, but Nigeria’s defense, led by William Troost-Ekong, cleared the ball. In the 63rd minute, Zaidu Sanusi aimed to extend Nigeria’s lead from a free kick, but the opposition’s goalkeeper saved the effort.
Osimhen appeared to score again in the 75th minute, heading in Lookman’s free-kick, but VAR ruled it out for offside. In the 80th minute, Osimhen had another significant opportunity, but he surprisingly failed to convert.
Despite late efforts from Angola, the Super Eagles maintained a solid defensive stance to secure their semifinal berth, marking their first appearance in this stage since 2019. Nigeria is now set to face the winner between Cape Verde and South Africa in the upcoming Wednesday fixture.
