Lookman strikes to send Nigeria into AFCON semis against Angola

Ademola Lookman’s second-half strike was enough to book Nigeria’s place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Angola on Thursday. The win continues Nigeria’s excellent quarter-final record in the competition, having lost just one of their previous 11 matches at this stage.

Angola had already defied expectations by making the last eight for the first time since 2010. They threatened early on when Gilberto flicked on a corner that was well-saved by Stanley Nwabili. Nigeria grew into the game as Victor Osimhen headed over and was later denied by goalkeeper Antonio Dominique.

The breakthrough came just before half-time courtesy of a ruthless counter-attack. Moses Simon breezed past Kialonda Gaspar and teed up Lookman to smash home a first-time finish for his third goal of the tournament. Jose Peseiro’s side looked to tighten their grip after the interval but Angola nearly levelled when substitute Zini rattled the post.

Osimhen thought he had doubled Nigeria’s advantage but saw his header disallowed for offside after VAR intervened. It was ultimately Lookman’s night as Angola bowed out after a valiant effort. Nigeria advanced to meet either Cape Verde or South Africa on February 7, for a place in the final.