Nigeria vs Angola: Manuel Cafumana Unfazed About Super Eagles’ Qualities Ahead of AFCON Quarterfinal

• Angola midfielder Manuel Cafumana is confident ahead of the AFCON 2023 quarter-finals
• Black Antelopes topped Group D and cruised through the last 16 with a 3-0 win over Namibia
• Maccabi Haifa man stressed the importance of keeping the same mindset against Super Eagles

Angola's midfielder, Manuel Cafumana, remains unfazed by the looming threat posed by Nigeria as they gear up for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash on Friday, February 2.

The Black Antelopes are set to face the Super Eagles at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium at 8pm, East African Time, promising an exciting encounter between two attacking teams.

Having advanced to the quarter-finals by topping Group D ahead of Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and unexpected casualties Algeria, Angola defied expectations with an impressive 3-0 victory over Namibia in the Round of 16 on Saturday, January 27, in Bouake.

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Cafumana expressed confidence in facing Jose Peseiro’s men, stressing that they have approached the game's preparation similarly to their previous matches.

"The coach has acknowledged Nigeria's squad qualities. We'll face Nigeria with the same determination as in previous games," Cafumana stated during the pre-match press conference, as captured by Sports Brief.

While acknowledging the Super Eagles' capabilities, the Maccabi Haifa man stressed that Angola would be cautious yet maintain the same mindset employed in previous games.

Angola have mocked the form book, winning three straight matches after never managing more than one win at a time in eight appearances.

Team captain Fredy dedicated their triumph over Namibia to the people of the southern African country, especially considering the economic challenges they face.

"We came to Ivory Coast as outsiders, but being written off by many observers motivated us. We are proud Angolans and fear no team," said Fredy, as quoted on Sports Village Square.

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Fredy created both of Dala's goals, with Mabululu sealing the victory midway through the second half, concluding the contest between the southern African neighbours.

The match saw both teams reduced to 10 men, with Angola goalkeeper Neblu and Namibia defender Lubeni Haukongo receiving first-half red cards.

On the other hand, Nigeria is a team in form, with only one goal conceded in four matches, as reported by The Athletic.

Angola Coach Pedro Goncalves discloses how he will break Nigeria’s ‘stubborn’ defence

Sports Brief reported when Angola's head coach, Pedro Goncalves, outlined his strategy for breaking down Nigeria's impermeable defence.

The Palancas Negras have been a surprising force in the tournament, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.

Goncalves' team emerged as the top scorers in the last 16, boasting a tournament-high of nine goals from four matches.