2023 AFCON quarter-final preview: Nigeria vs. Angola

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face the Palancas Negras of Angola in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Here’s a preview of the upcoming clash:

MATCH DETAILS

Competition: AFCON 2023
Match: Nigeria vs Angola
Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Abidjan)
Date: Friday, February 2, 2024
Kickoff: 6 pm (Nigerian time)

Form Guide:

• Nigeria started their AFCON campaign with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, followed by a 1-0 win over Cote d’Ivoire and a 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau in the group stage. They secured a 2-1 win against Cameroon in the Round of 16.
• Angola has been progressively impressive, securing a 1-1 draw against former champions Tunisia, a thrilling 3-2 win over Mauritania, and a 2-0 victory against Burkina Faso in the group stage. They cruised to a 3-0 win against Namibia in the Round of 16.

Historical Context:

• This is Nigeria’s 102nd match at the AFCON, but interestingly, it’s the first time they are meeting Angola in the tournament.
• In other competitions, the two nations have met ten times, with both teams claiming two victories each, and five matches ending in draws.

Head-to-Head (Other Competitions):

• Nigeria and Angola have faced each other ten times in other competitions. Nigeria stopped Angola from qualifying for the 1984 and 2004 AFCONs, but Angola qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup ahead of Nigeria.

Team News:

• Angola will be without first-choice goalkeeper Adilson Neblú, who was shown a red card in the match against Namibia. Antonio Signori is likely to replace him.
• Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali suffered an injury against Cameroon and is a doubt for the match. Francis Uzoho might step in if Nwabali fails a fitness test. Captain William Troost-Ekong is also an injury concern.

Possible Lineup:

• Nigeria (3-4-3): Uzoho; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi; Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen
• Angola (4-3-3): Signori; Eddie, Gaspar, Buatu, Carneiro; Fredy, Show, Estrela; Gilberto, Mabululu, Dala

Key Players:

• Nigeria – Victor Osimhen: The Napoli striker has been influential, contributing to crucial moments in the tournament. Osimhen’s goal-scoring ability and overall influence make him a key player for Nigeria.
• Angola – Gelson Dala: The 27-year-old striker has been a standout player at AFCON 2023, scoring four goals and providing an assist. Angola will rely on Dala’s goal-scoring prowess.

The match promises to be an exciting clash as both teams seek a spot in the AFCON semifinals.

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