•Lookman and Simon celebrate
Nigeria’s Super Eagles this Friday evening, February 2, 2024, became the first team to qualify for the semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Cote d’Ivoire. The high-flying Eagles defeated Palancas Negras of Angola in first quarter-final match of the tournament decided at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
The all-important goal came in the 41st minute when Moses Simon waltzed through the left flank and cut back to on-rushing Ademola Lookman, who fired past Angolan goalie Signori Dominique for his third goal of the tournament.
For the Super Eagles, it was sweet vengeance over the Palancas Negras who in June 2005 prevented Nigeria from qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
For the Angolans who are ranked 117th in the world – 75 places below Nigeria – it was yet another failed bid to reach the AFCON semi-final for the first time ever.
With the victory of Angola, Nigeria will next Wednesday battle either Cape Verde or South Africa for a place in the final.
