Nigeria aims to dodge the unwanted favorite’s label in the Africa Cup of Nations as they meet Angola this Friday in the quarter-final at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.
The Super Eagles beat their long-time rivals Cameroon in the last 16, surpassing their previous tournament performance, while Angola made history by beating Namibia, marking their first win in the knockout stages.
Match preview
Before their first game a couple of weeks ago, not much was expected from Jose Peseiro’s squad. However, the team, which has won three titles, is now hoping for a fourth after defeating Cameroon 2-0 in the recent match, gaining the support of previously doubtful fans.
Ademola Lookman scored twice in that match, and Victor Osimhen’s effort was crucial even though he didn’t score more than his one goal at AFCON 2023 against Equatorial Guinea.
Peseiro’s team has benefited from strong defense, allowing few shots on goal. The last significant chance against them was in their 1-0 win over Cote d’Ivoire in the second game of the finals.
With surprising outcomes in the tournament, like South Africa’s win over Morocco, Nigeria is favored to win against Angola and then either Cape Verde or South Africa to reach the final on February 11.
However, they must stay focused, as the competition shows the narrowing gap between top teams and rising nations.
Angola, aiming for a semi-final spot, will not be an easy opponent. They led Group B, even outperforming 2019 champions Algeria, and have been on a winning streak since their draw with the Fennes, including victories over Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Namibia.
Gelson Dala and Mabululu, scoring seven of Angola’s nine goals, have been key to their success, accounting for 77.8% of the team’s goals.
Angola has previously thwarted Nigeria’s hopes, notably denying them a spot in the 2006 World Cup. Beating Nigeria in the semis would mark their second victory in the tournament’s knockout stages, adding to their recent win over Namibia.
Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations form: D W W W
Nigeria form (all competitions): D L D W W W
Angola Africa Cup of Nations form: D W W W
Angola form (all competitions): D W D W W W
Team News
Nigeria is concerned about Stanley Nwabali’s availability, who replaced Francis Uzoho but got injured against Cameroon. He trained on Tuesday, but William Troost-Ekong missed training due to a thigh issue.
Osimhen, Lookman, and Moses Simon are likely to lead the attack, with no changes expected in the lineup.
For Angola, apart from Mabululu and Dala, Fredy’s three assists and Gilberto’s unpredictable play have been crucial. Neblu is suspended for being sent off against Namibia.
Possible starting lineups:
Nigeria: (3-4-2-1)
Nwabali;
Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey;
Aina, Iwobi, Onyeka, Sanusi;
Lookman, Simon;
Osimhen
Angola: (4-3-3)
Signori;
Afonso, Gaspar, Buatu-Mananga, Carneiro;
Fredy, Snow, Estrela;
Gilberto, Mabululu, Dala
Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Angola
This match is expected to be Nigeria’s toughest test yet, with Angola having the potential to challenge the Super Eagles in various ways.
Despite expecting to concede a goal, Nigeria should have enough strength to overcome the dynamic Palancas Negras.
