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Nigeria are into the final four of the African Cup of Nations after beating the Black Antelopes of Angola.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have advanced to yet another AFCON semi-final thanks to Ademola Lookman's lone goal to beat Angola 1-0
Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny hosted the first quarter-final clash of the AFCON between the Super Eagles and the Palancas Negras. In what was a thoroughly enjoyable end-to-end affair, Nigeria's impermeable defensive structure and superior offensive quality made the difference.
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20:01 - 02.02.2024
Nwabali, Troost, Bassey: Nigerians hail Super Eagles defence as best in Africa after silencing Angola
Nigeria's Super Eagles have kept the most clean sheets at AFCON 2023 and have been praised for having the strongest defensive unit on the continent.
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16:31 - 02.02.2024
Unique stats and records to note ahead of AFCON 2023 quarterfinals
Which records and milestones have been set at the 2023 AFCON so far?
How it happened
Jose Peseiro named an unchanged 11 from the team that vanquished Cameroon, while his compatriot on the opposing dugout also trusted the starting lineup from the 3-0 triumph over Namibia in the Round of 16.
Both teams are high on form, and it was evident in the opening exchanges, with the teams matching themselves.
It was the Palancas Negras who had the first big chances of the game; however, when Gilberto flicked the ball on to Mabululu, who was left unmarked in the Nigerian area, Nwabali was on hand to prevent an early shocker.
The Super Eagles assumed a position of dominance in the game and improved in their chance creation. They came closest to scoring in the 25th minute when Osimhen's glancing header was saved by Antonio Signori.
The second-half was more of the same, with Angola enjoying possession while the Super Eagles looked to play on the counter and consequently put up more shots.
Angola managed to find cracks in the Super Eagles’s impregnable defence when Zini was played through on goal, but the AEK Athens forward saw his attempt tip into the bottom right by the solid Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria thought they got the safety goal in the 76th minute when Signori fumbled Osimhen's header into his goal.
However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out, as the Napoli man was found to have strayed slightly offside.
Angola had a late flurry of attacks, but the Super Eagles defence remained resolute in ensuring Lookman’s goal was enough to book a ticket for the next round.
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