The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set for a crucial quarter-final encounter against Angola in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Friday.
Nigeria, aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first time in five years, faces the Palancas Negras of Angola after a convincing 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Cameroon in their last match.
The Super Eagles had a shaky start in the tournament, drawing with Equatorial Guinea before securing narrow wins over hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau to advance to the knockout stage with seven points.
Meanwhile, Angola, having the same number of points, impressed with a draw against 2019 winners Algeria and victories over Mauritania and Burkina Faso to top Group D.
In terms of head-to-head records, both teams have met 11 times, with Nigeria winning twice and drawing two, while Angola has secured two victories, including the memorable qualification for the 2006 World Cup at the expense of the Super Eagles.
Ahead of the clash, the Super Eagles received positive news about the availability of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who was stretchered off in the previous game against Cameroon.
Coach Jose Peseiro confirmed Nwabali’s fitness during a pre-match interview and expressed confidence in his players, including Francis Uzoho, if needed.
Speaking about the match, Peseiro acknowledged the tough challenge, stating, “It’s a quarter-final match. Both teams want to reach the semi-finals. It will be a tough match; we will bring commitment and sacrifice to try to overcome this great team, even if it’s not a big name, to reach the semi-final.”
On the other side, Angolan coach Pedro Gonçalves sees the quarter-final as a significant moment for his team and the nation, saying, “This match means a lot for our team and for the entire Angolan nation, which has dreamed for years of seeing the team at this stage of the competition.”
The quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Angola is scheduled for Friday, February 2nd, 2024, starting at 6:00 pm (West African Time/Nigeria time) at the Stade Félix Houphouët Biogny in Abidjan.
Fans eagerly await the outcome as both teams vie for a spot in the prestigious AFCON semi-finals.
