The game between Cameroon and Nigeria at any stage of football always lives up to the expectations of football lovers around the world. The rivalry between both sides at the Africa Cup of Nations is one that also goes back to the 80’s, they have faced each other seven times in the history of the competition with both sides winning three each and a draw in one game.
The last time Cameroon defeated Nigeria was 24 years ago which was co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria, while the West African giants beat the Lions last in 2019.
The major highlight before the game was Andre Onana who was dropped to the bench for Cameroon’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group-stage fixture against Gambia.
Onana missed his nation’s opening AFCON game against Guinea on January 15 after arriving late to the tournament, having played for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur the day before. The goalkeeper did then start Cameroon’s second match were he conceded 3 goals against Senegal.
Here are the five talking points;
(1) Jose Peseiro:
The coach of Super Eagles has received sticks by most Nigerians for the way he sets up his team whenever they take on the pitch. However, the Portuguese International has stuck with a 5 man defence which had worked for the team so far in the competition, this gives the West African giants fluidity going forward and whenever they defend.
(2) Ademola Lookman:
Lookman has shown what he can bring to this Super Eagles team from the opening fixture against Equatorial Guinea down to the game against the Indomitable Lions. The winger scored the opening goal of the game after he took advantage of the mistake which was made by the Cameroonian defence. He extended the Super Eagles lead in the 90th minute whenever he connected to a pass from Calvin Bassey from the outside of the penalty area. If the Super Eagles will win this tournament, he will be a key part of that success.
(3) Stanley Nwabali:
The South African-based goalkeeper was stretched off the pitch after he collided with a Cameroonian player. He has been fantastic in goal for the Super Eagles in the group stage and also the minutes he played before he left the game. Ngerians will hope he gets back to full fitness before they face Angola in the quarter-final.
(4) Watertight defence:
The Super Eagles have one of the best defence records at the AFCON 2023, the defensive combination of Ola Aina and William Troost Ekong have been key for the team. Both players gave an outstanding performance against the Indomitable Lions which will also be key for the team going forward in the tournament.
(5) Quarter-final
The Super Eagles can start looking at a semi-final place already as they will face Angola in the quarter-final of the competition which should be a walk in the park.
