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By: Ebenezer Bajela
Ahead of their quarter-final clash against Angola at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, admits that their next opponents are a good side but says they will be prepared, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Atalanta man scored twice as Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 on Saturday at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan to advance to the quarter-finals.
On their part, the Palancas Negras, as the Angola national team are fondly called, defeated Namibia 3-0 earlier on Saturday at the Stade de la Paix to also book their place in the last eight.
Nigeria are searching for their fourth AFCON title first since 2013 and Lookman’s brace against the Indomitable Lions brings them one step closer to ending that drought but they face the daunting task of beating Angola, who have been impressive so far in the competition.
Speaking ahead of the game, Lookman in an interview with CAF said, “Angola are a good team. We’ll analyze them and prepare. The further you go, the tougher it gets so we’ll take it game by game.”
Lookman was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match following his two goals in the win over Cameroon and the former Everton man credited the team’s collective effort for the win and award.
He said, “Wow, we’re so happy to qualify for the quarter-finals.
“The more we play together, the more fluid we become. I’m standing here now but this award reflects the whole team’s performance.”
Relishing his first CAF AFCON experience, the 26-year-old added, “I love this atmosphere, it’s incredible. Tonight (Saturday) our fans pushed us to the end because this was Cameroon, and when you wear the Super Eagles shirt, some games resonate more than others.”
Nigeria will face Angola on Friday at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan as they hope to make it to the semi-final of the tournament.