Nigeria, riding high on a convincing 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the Round of 16, is gearing up for an AFCON quarterfinal clash against Angola.
The Super Eagles, three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, look to extend their formidable quarterfinal record since the inception of the final eight in 1992, having won nine out of their ten encounters.
Coach José Peseiro, cautious about overlooking any opponent, emphasizes that all eight quarter-finalists are genuine title contenders, but Nigeria’s consistent defensive prowess, maintaining three clean sheets in the tournament, bodes well for their aspirations.
Angola, entering their first AFCON quarter-final since 2010, draws inspiration from their recent success, including a remarkable 3-0 triumph over Namibia.
The team’s eight-game unbeaten run in competition football, marked by victories against Burkina Faso and Algeria, fuels their ambition for a historic triumph against the Super Eagles.
Despite a previous quarterfinal loss to Nigeria in the 2018 African Nations Championship, Angola’s full-strength national team seeks redemption in this competitive encounter.
The spotlight falls on key players, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman showcasing their attacking prowess for Nigeria.
Gelson Dala, Angola’s standout performer with doubles against Namibia and Mauritania, emerges as a player to watch, having earned the highest Flashscore player rating in two separate matches at this AFCON tournament.
As anticipation builds for this quarterfinal clash, both teams are poised to leave no stone unturned in their quest for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
