If anyone doubted Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title credentials, then their total dominant performance against Angola in the round of sixteen has certainly eliminated the questions raised over the ability to contest for the crown.So good were the Super Eagles, that they made Angola, who had been impressive at the group stage and round of sixteen, look ordinary and overwhelmed in all aspects.After all, there is no shame in losing 1-0 to the star-studded Nigerian team that becomes the first to seal a place in the semifinals following the slim win at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_7845007##They might have exited the tournament but the Palancas Negras surely gave a good account of themselves as they were among the lowly-ranked teams heading to the tournament.When Nigeria needed goals most, their most consistent player in the tournament Ademola Lookman delivered, finding the back of the 41st minute, connecting a lovely cutback from Moses Simon to the back of the net.The goal saw Lookman stretch his tally in the competition to three and become the fourth Nigerian to score at least three goals in a single tournament after Odion Ighalo, Rashid Yekini, and Jay-Jay Okocha.Should have done that a long time ago, Black Stars! Ghana wants Manchester United wonderkidLookman who is making his debut in the tournament didn’t just hand the three-time champions the match-winning goal but his industrious performance played a massive role holding on to the slim advantage up to the final whistle.Interestingly, it was Simon who was named the man of the match but in the interest of fairness, he left everything on the pitch.Another man who made the Angolan backline work overtime in star striker Victor Osimhen who made runs all manner of runs, fearlessly contested for aerial balls, attempted to attack balls floated in the area, and helped in defending.While the attacking trio, did their job, it is imperative to note that the backline and the entire team did what they had to do to be in the semis.Amokachi hails AFCON evolution as new contenders emergeNigeria have conceded a goal so far in the tournament.Before kick off, the Angolan forward was deemed to pose a challenge to the Nigerian back line given the performance they displayed in the past.However, the William Troost-Ekong-led defence was equal to the questions asked by the trio of Mabululu, Gelson Dala, and Gilberto.With the kind of football Nigeria played, it is safe to conclude that they are a strong contender for the title, but lest we forget, it is a tournament full of surprises.AFCON 2023 – QUARTER-FINALSFridayNigeria – Angola 1-0 (1-0)/Lookman 41/23:00: (2.55) Dr Congo (3.00) Guinea (3.05)Saturday20:00: (3.30) Mali (3.10) Ivory Coast (2.35)23:00: (2.65) Cape Verde (3.05) S.Africa (2.90)***odds are subject to change***
