by Silas Boahene | Jan 25, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a significant boost for the Indomitable Lions, Cameroon’s manager Rigobert Song welcomes back key players Vincent Aboubakar and Clinton N’Jie from injury just days before their highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash against the Super Eagles.
According to Le Bled Parle, Cameroon’s captain Aboubakar and former Tottenham Hotspur winger N’Jie participated in group training on Wednesday after recovering from their respective injuries. The duo, who played pivotal roles in Cameroon’s 2017 AFCON victory, had been sidelined for the ongoing tournament in Ivory Coast.
During the training session in Bouaké, both Aboubakar and N’Jie engaged in all exercises without difficulty, signaling their readiness for the crucial match against Nigeria. Both players have a history of scoring against Nigeria, with N’Jie finding the net in the 2019 AFCON round of 16 clash and Aboubakar scoring in a 2017 World Cup qualifier.
While Cameroon displayed offensive prowess with five goals in the group stage, defensive vulnerabilities were evident, conceding six goals at an average of two per game. In contrast, Nigeria showcased defensive solidity with two clean sheets in three matches, although they faced challenges in converting scoring opportunities.
The much-anticipated encounter between Nigeria and Cameroon is scheduled for January 27, 2023, at the Félix Houphouët Boigny Stadium, kicking off at 21:00 hours.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 25, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Democratic Republic of Congo captain, Gabriel Zakuani, anticipates a fiercely contested match between Nigeria and Cameroon in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing the historical rivalry between the two teams. While the Super Eagles secured a spot in the last 16 by finishing second in Group A, the Indomitable Lions advanced with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Gambia.
Zakuani notes that Nigeria has undergone a shift in playing philosophy, adopting a defensive formation in the last two group games under manager Jose Peseiro, leading to an uneasy campaign. Despite Nigeria’s historical dominance in head-to-head records, with 12 wins, eight draws, and five losses, Zakuani highlights the significance of the three defeats in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1984, 1988, and 2000.
The former captain points out that the upcoming clash promises excitement, characterized by a deep-seated rivalry, stating, “Nigeria against Cameroon stands out for me. They actually hate each other, it will be great to see some challenges flying in that one.” Zakuani expresses hope that Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s marquee center forward and reigning African Footballer of the Year, will shine in the tournament, especially against the Indomitable Lions. He emphasizes Osimhen’s need to convert chances into goals and anticipates an electrifying performance in the upcoming match.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 25, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Iñaki Williams, returning from Ghana’s early exit in the Africa Cup of Nations, made an immediate impact by scoring in extra time to lead Athletic Bilbao to a stunning 4-2 victory over Barcelona, securing a spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals.
Coming off the bench in the 59th minute, just two days after Ghana’s final match in Ivory Coast, Williams netted in the 107th minute, capitalizing on the rebound of his own shot against the post. His younger brother, Nico Williams, sealed the victory in stoppage time, propelling Athletic to the semifinals for the fifth consecutive season.
This defeat marked another setback for Barcelona, aiming for a consecutive Copa semifinal appearance, having previously missed a title opportunity with a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final earlier in the year.
Notably, Athletic had eliminated Barcelona in extra time during the Copa round of 16 in 2022. Despite finishing as runner-up in 2019-20 and 2020-21, and facing semifinal exits in the last two seasons, Athletic now eyes the opportunity to claim Copa del Rey glory, with their last triumph dating back to 1984.
Williams, who started on the bench due to his recent return to Spain, expressed his delight at the unexpected turn of events, stating, “Not even in the best of my dreams I could have imagined this. Everything turned out perfect. Yesterday I didn’t imagine being here after a tough blow (with Ghana).”
by Silas Boahene | Jan 25, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Fenerbahce right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel shared his insights on the Super Eagles’ performance against Guinea-Bissau in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, expressing satisfaction with his AFCON debut and emphasizing the team’s potential to overcome Cameroon in the upcoming knockout round.
Osayi-Samuel, making his AFCON debut after featuring in a friendly against Portugal in November 2022, played a crucial role in Nigeria’s defense, contributing to a clean sheet against Guinea-Bissau. Reflecting on the game, he highlighted the team’s positive defensive performance and acknowledged the need to convert chances.
In an interview after a training session, Osayi-Samuel stated, “I think overall the game was good. It is a learning curve now, to see what we can improve to do our best in our next game against Cameroon.”
Confident about facing Cameroon in the knockout stage, Osayi-Samuel emphasized the team’s experience and quality players who thrive under pressure. He stated, “Cameroon is a very strong team, they have good players, but if we focus on ourselves and strategize on how to exploit their weaknesses, then I think we have a good chance of winning the game.”
While Ola Aina has been preferred over Osayi-Samuel in recent matches, the decision on his inclusion against Cameroon remains uncertain. The right-back expressed his confidence, stating that everyone in the group is eager and confident, looking forward to the knockout game.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 25, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd played a crucial role in securing the team’s place in the knockout stages of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations as they emerged victorious in Group F. The Atlas Lions secured a 1-0 win against Zambia on Wednesday, with Hakim Ziyech, the former Chelsea playmaker, scoring the lone goal in the first half.
This victory solidifies Morocco’s position atop Group F with seven points from three matches. Aguerd, a key figure in the defense, played the entire 90 minutes once again, maintaining his consistent presence throughout the tournament. The successful evening at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San-Pédro, Ivory Coast, sets the stage for their progression to the round of 16.
Despite the one-goal margin, Morocco dominated the match, registering 19 shots, seven of which were on target, compared to Zambia’s eleven shots with two on target. Aguerd himself had an opportunity to give Morocco the lead in the 35th minute, but his header from a Ziyech cross narrowly missed the target.
Ziyech, serving as the captain for the evening, capitalized on a spilled cross just two minutes later to provide Morocco with a well-deserved lead. Zambia, led by former West Ham United boss Avram Grant, pressed in the second half, with forward Barbra Banda posing a threat. However, Aguerd and the Morocco defense held firm, securing a second clean sheet in three Group F games.
Ziyech’s decisive goal ensures Morocco’s progression to the round of 16 as group winners, while Zambia exits the tournament. Aguerd and the Moroccan team are now set to face South Africa, the runners-up in Group E, in the round of 16 at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Wednesday, January 30.
