Nigeria advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations thanks to Ademola Lookman's brace, securing a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in a tense encounter held in Abidjan.
Lookman, displaying his prowess, broke the deadlock nine minutes before halftime. Victor Osimhen's pressure on Oumar Gonzalez led to a defensive error, allowing Lookman to capitalize and drive the ball past goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa, who got the nod over Andre Onana.
In a thrilling climax, Lookman sealed the win in the 90th minute with a spectacular volley, connecting with Calvin Bassey's precise pass to ignite jubilant celebrations among Nigeria's supporters, hailing their three-time champions.
Cameroon, despite the late introduction of Vincent Aboubakar, the top scorer in the 2021 tournament making his comeback from a muscle injury, struggled to mount any significant threat, failing to register a single shot on target.
With this setback, Cameroon's coach Rigobert Song faces mounting pressure back home, especially after their early exit from the 2022 World Cup group stage. The Cameroon football federation president, Samuel Eto'o, who observed the match from the stands, now faces the pivotal decision of whether to relieve his former teammate of his coaching duties.
Playing at the venue of their inaugural triumph in 1984 against Nigeria, the Indomitable Lions appeared disjointed throughout the match, mirroring their performance in previous tournament fixtures.
Despite Cameroon's historical success against Nigeria, including victories in three Nations Cup finals, the Super Eagles have often prevailed in their earlier encounters.
This victory marks Nigeria's second triumph over Cameroon at this tournament stage in the last three editions, reminiscent of their thrilling 3-2 win in Egypt back in 2019.