Nigeria needed a 41st minute goal against Angola to be the first team to progress to this summer’s Afcon semi finals hosted in Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles overcame a gritty Palancas Negras who enjoyed the lion’s share of ball possession despite losing focus only in the dying minutes of the first half to grant Ademola Lookman an opportunity to slot in a well taken cross from Nigeria’s left flank.
Angola pressed on for an equaliser but a solid Nigerian defence kept the likes of the sensational attacking duo of Gelson Dala and Mabululu at bay – ensuring that the Oga nation qualified for the next stage.
Nigeria boasts of arguably the best defence at the tournament hosted by Ivory Coast, having conceded only one goal and registered barren draws against defending champions Senegal, Mali and Morocco.
Nigeria had 13 shots on goal against Angola’s 10, three of which were on target for the Eagles while Angola had two.
In another another quarter final encounter, Congo DR came from behind to hit three past hapless Guinea to also book a place in the Afcon semi finals. Guinea were the first to see the back of the net through M. Bayo in the 20th minute, but Congo DR made sure that they go for first half break while at par, a goal which came in 27th minute through central defender Mbemba.
DR Congo will now face either Mali or hosts Corte D’Ivoire in the third quarter finals slated for today
The Super Eagles, on the other hand, will face either in-form Cape Verde or giant killers South Africa, in the semi-final, who overcame world cup semifinalists Morocco.
