By: Lawal Jamiu Olakunle
It was a battle of the African Giants, battle for a spot in the Quarter finals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Egypt. A battle of African Super powers in which eventually, the indomitable Lions bow down to the ferocity of the Super Eagles losing 3-2 in a match full of suspense, flairs and swaggers.
Brace from Odion ighalo capped with a perfect finish from Alex Iwobi made sure a first half turnaround from the defending champions never materialized.
Nigeria started on a higher foot as Odion Ighalo shot was deflected pass the helpless Andre Onana after receiving a pass from Kenneth Omerou In the 19th minutes of the game.
Cameroonian came back to life in the 41st Minutes as Stephane Bahoken latch in a shot into the net after a delightful cross from Christian Bassogog.
Two minutes later Clinton N’Jie unleashed a shot straight into the bottom right corner as the super eagles trail by 2-1 into the half time.
As expected, It was a game between arch rivals and promised to be fierce; and so was it.
In the 63rd minute, Odion Ighalo got his brace to equalize for Nigeria as Ahmed Musa laid the ball off to with a solo chest pass to ighalo who made no mistakes by unleashing a strong shot from close range into the back of the net.
Three minutes later, the Super Eagles took the lead, making it 3-2, It was Alex Iwobi who did the job.
Iwobi collected a delightful pass inside the box from Ighalo and netted with a perfect low drive into the middle of the goal.
Odion ighalo would’ve made it four and score an hat-trick if not for the alertness of Goalkeeper Adre Onana who kept out a latch one-on-one shot from the Super Eagles talisman.
Nigeria will now play the Bafana Bafana of South Africa after they Surprisingly knock-out the host and Favorite; Pharaoh's of Egypt at the upcoming Quarter Final showpiece of the African Cup of Nations tournament.
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