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The Super Eagles soared past Angola into the AFCON 2023 semi-finals, showcasing their might in a tight contest that left Angola grappling with the consequences of a gruelling tournament schedule.
Angola's coach, Pedro Goncalves, has revealed the reason behind his side’s loss to Nigeria.
Nigeria's slim but decisive victory was marked by Ademola Lookman's crucial first-half goal, propelling them one step closer to continental glory.
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18:34 - 03.02.2024
His combination with Osimhen — Joseph Yobo speaks on how Nigeria can win AFCON
Super Eagles legend Joseph Yobo has praised Nigeria's performances at AFCON so far and shared his thoughts ahead of the semi-final.
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18:32 - 03.02.2024
AFCON 2023: Ademola Lookman Champions Team Unity as Nigeria Sails into the Semi-Finals
Ademola Lookman has been lighting up the tournament with his dazzling performances, contributing significantly to Nigeria's march into the semi-finals.
Fatigue Factor
Goncalves pointed to fatigue as the pivotal factor behind his team's quarter-final exit. The Angolan squad's demanding travel schedule, which saw them compete across three cities, starkly contrasted with Nigeria's static base in Abidjan. This difference, Goncalves argued, played a significant role in the match's outcome.
“It is true that we played against a very strong opponent. But the Nigerian players were fresher than ours, and their physical display made them able to create more chances than us”, Pedro Goncalves said per Soccernet.
The Angola squad, primarily composed of domestic league players, faced the dual challenge of physical exhaustion and a lack of experience on such a grand stage, further exacerbating their struggle against a well-prepared Nigerian team.
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Looking Ahead: Nigeria's Semi-Final Quest
As the Super Eagles gear up for their next challenge, they await the outcome of the quarter-final showdown between Cape Verde and South Africa.
Moving on from their stronghold in Abidjan, Nigeria is set to venture to Stade de la Paix in Bouake for what promises to be a thrilling semi-final encounter.
With their defence proving formidable, having conceded only once throughout the tournament, and the team benefiting from consistent conditions in Abidjan, Nigeria's campaign looks stronger than ever.
The Super Eagles are poised for further success, their sights firmly set on adding another AFCON title to their illustrious history.
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