Nigeria vs Angola: 3 key observations from Super Eagles' laboured win

Nigeria's Super Eagles were pushed to their limits against a spirited Angola side in their AFCON 2023 quarterfinal clash.

In a hard-fought battle at the AFCON 2023 quarterfinals, the Super Eagles clinched a narrow 1-0 win courtesy of Ademola Lookman’s second half strike.

However, Nigeria’s victory against the Palancas Negras was not without its challenges. Here are three (3) key observations you missed from a Super Eagles point of view.

1. Moses Simon struggling on the right

The Nantes man started that game on the right side of Jose Peseiro’s now stable 3-4-3/3–4-2-1 formation. 

Simon occupied the right of the two attacking midfielders behind Victor Osimhen, with star boy, Ademola Lookman, on the left, where he had excelled so far.

However, the Ligue 1 star struggled to get going on the right and I have repeatedly mentioned that he is better on the left than on the right, where he tends to run into a cul de sac. 

It was no coincidence, I dare say, that the assist for Lookman’s decisive winner arrived with the 28-year-old driving in from the left after picking up a poor pass from Zaidu Sanusi. 

2. Nwabali's early save steadies Nigeria

Stanley Nwabali has undoubtedly cemented his position as the undisputed new number one goalkeeper in the Super Eagles with his performances at the AFCON 2023.

Against the Angolans, he once again proved why many Nigerians were right to be apprehensive about the injury he picked up against Cameroon in the round of 16 which threatened to rule him out of the clash against the Palancas Negras.

Angola started brighter and forced Nwabali Bobo into a superb early save from a well-taken corner kick. 

The goalkeeper's reflex stop denied Job Mabululu an early lead from close range and allowed Nigeria to settle into the game. That early intervention from Nwabali was vital.

3. Careless Super Eagles give away possession

Despite edging the game, Nigeria continually gave away the ball cheaply. Victor Osimhen was guilty of surrendering possession repeatedly, alongside Alex Iwobi, who got a word of caution from his goalkeeper. 

The lack of composure on the ball prevented the Super Eagles from dominating for large periods. Their carelessness kept Angola in the tie and could have proved detrimental to Nigeria’s chances of winning. 

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