Afcon 2023: How Equatorial Guinea Contained Victor Osimhen and Nigeria
FootballAFCON 2023: Rigobert Song Backs Nigeria to Win 2023 Tournament After Eliminating Cameroon
- Nigeria are into the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
- The Super Eagles beat Cameroon 2-0 in the Round of 16 on Saturday to seal their spot
- Cameroon boss Rigobert Song has backed the Super Eagles to win their fourth AFCON title
Nigeria laid down a marker in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by beating arch-rivals Cameroon 2-0 in the Round of 16 on Saturday, January 27.
Cameroon coach Rigobert Song believes the Super Eagles can go all the way.
Nigeria have been almost flawless in the tournament so far. They have played four games, lost none, and conceded just one goal, which came in the opening games against Equatorial Guinea.
On Saturday, they edged their arch-rival without breaking much of a sweat. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were superb all game.
The Super Eagles have produced underwhelming performances in the previous AFCON tournaments after lifting the title in 2013, per BBC.
With African Player of the Year on their team, they are considered favourites alongside reigning champions Senegal and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco.
So far, their defence has been phenomenal, but they'll face tougher tests later in the competition.
Song backs Nigeria
After the game, Rigobert Song, winner of two AFCION titles as a player, lauded Nigeria's performance and tipped them to win it.
“Nigeria played a good game. They are a solid side and they proved that against us. Congratulations to them," via Complete Sports.
“Nigeria have always been a favourite and I think they have the quality to win the competition."
Jose Peseiro's side will face Angola in the quarter-final but will potentially have to beat Morocco to reach the final.
Fans hail Osimhen's display vs Cameroon
Ex Everton striker names Nigeria, Senegal as favourites to win AFCON 2023
FootballVictor Osimhen, despite not scoring against Cameroon, played a crucial role in their first goal. His sublime pass to strike partner, Ademola Lookman, skillfully scored the first of his two goals.
The victory earned Jose Pesiero's team a spot in the quarterfinals.
While Lookman made a notable impact on the scoresheet for Peseiro's men, it is Osimhen's remarkable performance that has ignited a social media frenzy, with fans swiftly sharing their reactions, Sports Brief reported.