| FRIDAY 02 FEBRUARY | STADE FELIX HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY STADIUM | 19:00
It has been just over a decade since the Super Eagles of Nigeria lifted their last Africa Cup of Nations trophy. Without a single defeat in this year’s AFCON edition, they are three matches away from winning their fourth AFCON trophy. However, in their way, it is the tournament’s dark horses Angola who shocked the world by qualifying top of Group D ahead of tournament regulars Burkina Faso and Algeria.
To win (90 min)
Nigeria 13/20
Draw 2/1
Angola 5/1
Nigeria
The West African giants had an impressive start to the tournament becoming one of the first nations to qualify for the knockout rounds, after winning two of their three group stage fixtures. Despite losing Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface to injury just days before the tournament, the Super Eagles are yet to taste defeat in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria squared off with Cameroon in the Round of 16. Despite introducing Vincent Aboubakar, top scorer at the 2021 edition of the tournament, late on for his first appearance, the Indomitable Lions bowed out. Nigeria boss, Jose Peseiro executed his game plan successfully and booked their spot in the quarterfinal, courtesy of a brace by Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.
Peseiro’s men are heading to this clash known for having one of the most solid defences in the tournament. They have conceded just a single goal across their four appearances and come into this clash with three straight clean sheets. Furthermore, the Nigerian defence was able to deny the six-time African champions Cameroon a single shot on target in their round of 16 match.
Angola
The Palancas Negras made history when they qualified without a single defeat in a group consisting of 2019 AFCON winners Algeria who were tipped as one of the countries that may lift the trophy. Angola proved that they meant business when they held the Fennec Foxes to a 1-1 draw. They then went on to record back-to-back victories by beating Mauritania 3-2 and rolling over Burkina Faso who were hot on their tale 2-0.
The Angolans recorded their biggest-ever win in the tournament when they demolished Namibia 3-0. Despite being reduced to 10 men in the 17th minute, star striker Gelson Dala would bag a first half brace with teammate Mabululu adding a third in the 66th minute to put an end to the contest.
A win in this clash will mark their first-ever appearance in the AFCON semi-finals. The daunting task of defeating Nigeria is facing them as they have proven to be a team not to go down easily. The Super Eagles have reached the semis in three of their last four appearances in the AFCON tournament and with the way that they have been performing, they seem to be aiming to return home with their fourth AFCON title.
Prediction: This is a mouth-watering clash where a team with the best defence is going head-to-head with a high-scoring team. Nigeria conceded one goal in four matches while Angola scored nine goals in four matches which is one of the highest in the tournament so far. Nigeria being tournament regulars and having an experienced squad that is used to high-pressure situations will be victorious in this match.
Nigeria to win at 13/20 is the way to go.
Written by Siphesihle Soni