Sports
2023 AFCON: Ademola Lookman Bags Brace As Super Eagles Knockout Cameroon
The Nigerian Super Eagles scaled through a strong Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to secure a spot for themselves in the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON.
Today, much attention was not given to the man of the moment, Victor Osimhen of Napoli but the Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman.
Nigeria commenced the 2023 AFCON round of 16 on a high as they got the match opener in the 12th minute of the highly tense encounter via the boots of Semi Ajayi but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR check.
The decision helped the Indomitable Lions to settle down into the game and played a very balanced match against the Super Eagles, especially in the midfield.
However, the Nigerian side looked more promising while surging forward and created more chances.
The Super Eagles’ efforts paid off in the 36th minute when Osimhen proved that he is more of a team player than a person seeking personal glory. He disorganized the defense of the Cameroonians with his body movement before he passed the ball to Ademola Lookman who slotted it beautifully into the back of the net.
After the match opener, Cameroon continued to push forward for an equalizer which they didn’t get thanks to the highly organized backline of the Eagles as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.
In the second half, the Cameroonians saw more of the ball but they couldn’t penetrate the tight defense of the Super Eagles.
However, the Nigerian team suffered a big blow as coach Jose Peseiro’s new favourite goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali got injured after colliding with a Cameroonian player.
The highly criticized Francis Uzoho had to come in to replace him and suffered no serious threat throughout the game to the joy of Nigerian fans.
The tension on the Nigerian team subsided when Ademola Lookman stepped up again and took full advantage of Calvin Bassey’s beautiful cross into the box to double the Eagles’ lead in the 90th minute.
That goal made the 10 minutes of additional time not a serious course of concern for both the Nigerian team and the country’s fans watching in the stadium and across the world as the game ended 2-0 in favour of the Eagles.
This means that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Angola in the 2023 AFCON quarter-finals on February 2, 2024. As for Cameroon, they will turn their focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.
This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.
“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.
Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.
His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.
With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé, shared a rare glimpse of his personal life during an interview with Mouloud Achour on Clique.
The 25-year-old addressed serious allegations about an alleged rape incident in Stockholm but captured attention with his reflections on love and relationships.
When asked about expressing love, the Les Bleus forward shared: “Yes, to my mother, my father, my little brother. I try to give them this affection every day.”
On romantic love, Mbappé revealed to Le Parisien: “Yes, in the past, I have already been in love and I hope that I will be again. But currently, no.”
Watch him speak below:
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Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made a spectacular debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering an impressive performance in the women’s 200m event.
After a disappointing setback in the women’s 100m, Ofili showcased her resilience by clinching victory in her heat with a new season’s best time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday, August 4. The victory has qualified her for the 2024 Olympics 200m women’s semi-finals which will take place this evening.
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