Prior to their upcoming quarter-final clash with Angola at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman acknowledges the strength of their next opponents. He stated that they are a good side but assured that they will be prepared, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Nigeria secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Cameroon, with Lookman scoring both goals at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan last Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Angola national team, also known as the Palancas Negras, earned their place in the last eight by defeating Namibia 3-0 at the Stade de la Paix on the same day.
Nigeria, aiming for their fourth AFCON title and first since 2013, saw Lookman’s impressive performance against the Indomitable Lions as a step closer to ending their title drought. However, they recognize the daunting challenge of facing Angola, who have displayed impressive form in the competition thus far.
In anticipation of the upcoming match, Lookman, in an interview with CAF, commented, “Angola is a good team. We will analyze them and be prepared. As the tournament progresses, the competition gets tougher, so we will approach it game by game.”
Following his two-goal contribution in the victory over Cameroon, Lookman was honored as the TotalEnergies Man of the Match. The former Everton player attributed the win and award to the collective effort of the team.
Expressing his joy at the CAF AFCON experience, the 26-year-old added, “I am thrilled with this atmosphere, it’s incredible. Our fans spurred us on until the end, especially because it was against Cameroon. Certain games resonate more than others when you wear the Super Eagles shirt.”
Nigeria is set to encounter Angola on Friday at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, aiming to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.