The Super Eagles of Nigeria are determined to replicate their memorable 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Alexandria, as they meet again at the same stage in the ongoing 34th edition of the tournament in Abidjan on Saturday.

Back in 2019 at the Alexandria Stadium in Egypt, the Super Eagles rallied from a 1-2 deficit to triumph 3-2 against Cameroon, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Odion Ighalo scored two goals, and Alex Iwobi, present in Abidjan and expected to play a pivotal role on Saturday, netted the winner.

Captain Ahmed Musa, defenders William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Ola Aina, and Chidozie Awaziem, along with forward Moses Simon, all present in Abidjan, played key roles in that thrilling encounter in North Africa.

Looking back on that challenging game, Captain Ahmed Musa remarked, “That game was a tough duel and brought out the best in us, especially when we went 1-2 down despite scoring first. In the dressing room, we told ourselves that we could not allow that to happen. We played for one another, and we were happy to win at the end.

“Of course, we know the match on Saturday will be even tougher. The Cameroonians will be determined not to lose again, but we will give our very best and go for a win. We can do it again. We aspire to win the trophy, and nothing has changed that,” Musa emphasized on Friday.

Nigerian legends Olusegun Odegbami, Jay Jay Okocha, Augustine Eguavoen, Daniel Amokachi, and Garba Lawal have traveled to Abidjan to support the team, joining thousands of Cote d’Ivoire-based Nigerians to cheer on the Eagles.

NFF Technical Director Austine Eguavoen, part of the squad that triumphed in Tunisia in 1994, stressed the need for heightened preparation against Cameroon: “Cameroon will always come with determination and grit. We have to be even more prepared for them and deploy the greater flair and flexibility that we have.”

Notably, injured midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, who suffered an injury in the match against Equatorial Guinea, has returned to training and might feature alongside Frank Onyeka, while Alex Iwobi provides creative support in the midfield.

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro may opt for a defensive lineup consisting of Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi, with the possibility of Kelechi Iheanacho playing alongside Victor Osimhen upfront.