AFCON 2023: Ademola Lookman Reacts As Nigeria Reaches Round of 16

AFCON 2023: Ademola Lookman Reacts As Nigeria Reaches Round of 16

Babajide Orevba, Edwin Kiplagat
updated at January 23, 2024 at 11:25 AM
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  • Ademola Lookman is happy Nigeria beat Guinea-Bissau to reach AFCON's last 16
  • The Super Eagles finished second place in Group A with two victories and a draw
  • The three-time AFCON champions will either face Senegal, Guinea or Cameroon

Nigeria beat Guinea-Bissau in their final Group A game to seal their place in the Round 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria's qualification was received well by Super Eagles fans, including forward Ademola Lookman, who was delighted with the result.

Nigeria, AFCON, Guinea-Bissau, Victor Osimhen, Ivory Coast.
Ademola Lookman has been ever-present for Nigeria in Ivory Coast. Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images.
Source: Getty Images

Nigeria's misfiring attack was saved by an emphatic own goal by Guinea-Bissau's Opa Sangante in the 36th minute, which was enough to give the three-time AFCON champions the three points.

Victor Osimhen had several chances to score but was let down by poor finishing. It was a comfortable win for one of the favourites to win the tournament, but fans will be concerned by the performance.

Speaking exclusively to Sports Brief, Nigerian forward, Lookman, said a win is the only thing that matters.

"We won 1-0, we got a victory, the team is through to the next round, and that's the most important thing."

Jose Peseiro's side are waiting to learn their opponents in the round of 16. Nigeria are looking to win their second AFCON title since 1994. The last time they lifted it was in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi, per BBC.

Nigeria beat Guinea-Bissau

Sports Brief also previously reported on Nigeria reaching the 2023 AFCON Round of 16 qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau.

Sangante turned a Moses Simon cross into his own net in the 36th minute after noticing Nigeria striker, Osimhen, lurking behind.

The 2013 champions will face the runners-up in Group C, which could be Senegal, Guinea or Cameroon.

Jose Peseiro on Nigeria's struggles

Sports Brief also reported on coach Peseiro speaking about Nigeria's struggles in front of goal.

The Super Eagles have managed to score just three goals so far, one from open play against Equatorial Guinea, a penalty against Ivory Coast and an own goal against Guinea-Bissau.

"We will have to be more clinical in front of goal because the slightest mistake will be fatal for us.”
Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.