Nigeria Vs. Angola Preview: Best against worst ranked teams meet in Quarter-finals
By Ngome Michael
A fortnight into the 2023 African Cup of Nations marked by unforgettable tales and upsets drives into its business end this weekend beginning with three time champions and most likely favorites, Nigeria setting a quater showpiece against history makers, Angola.
Two sides diametrically opposed on FIFA rankings and performance this far, speaks of no clear-cut certainty in the outcome of this tie though the odds are stacked infavor of Super Eagles ranked 47 globally and are the highest placed team in Africa left at the tournament while Angola, (117th) is the lowest ranked at this stage.
On familiar territory, the West Africans are playing their 11th AFCON quarter final, with Morocco, Senegal, Algeria Egypt and Tunisia all out, opta deems Nigeria new 2023 AFCON favorites with a 28.8% chance of winning a fourth title.
It is only a third time Angola is appearing at this stage of the competition after 2008 and 2010. The Palancas Negras on a stint of four matches unbeaten without conceding in last two, victory for Angola against their bigest test (Nigeria) won’t be just a resounding upset but would see them equal their highest number of wins in eight AFCON appearances.
Gonsalve notched his team into an unprecedented first place in Group D housing Algeria with 7points. Here’s Angola’s return in Côte D’Ivoire since drawing 1-1 with the Fennecs; defeated Mauritania 3-2, Burkina Faso 2-0 and Namibia 3-0.
High scoring side benefiting from Gelson Dala’s fine form. His brace against Namibia moved his tally to 4goals, one away from joining Emilio Nsue as top scorer as well as becoming Angola’s top scorer in a single AFCON edition. Dala and Mabululu account for nine Palancas goals in the tournament. They’ll face watertight Nigerian backline.
Sentiments around José Peseiro’s team before AFCON 2023 kickoff took a turn for the better following a 2-0 win over eternal rivals Cameroon in the round of 16. Ademola Lookman netted twice to spur hopes of a fouth title.
The Super Eagles have been defensively resolute with their lone goal conceded at this tournament coming against Equatorial Guinea, they went on to reveal this prowess against the hosts and since have not had their backline breached.
Victor Osimhen work rate leading the attacking pack can’t be undermined despite registering one goal from fifteen shots. Lookman stands a chance of getting into Nigerian football annals for a goal against Angola puts him in-line with Ighalo and Okocha as the fourth Super Eagle to score 3+goals in the knockout round of an AFCON edition.
Nigeria’s 102nd AFCON match comes against an Angolan side they’ve never face before in the tournament. The last time these two crosseds-paths was at a FIFA World Cup qualifier game in 2004 which ended 1-0 win for Angola.
Stanley Nwabali could return between the sticks after coming off with a knee injury against Cameroon however worries grow ove Troost Ekong who didn’t train on Monday and Tuesday due complications around his thigh waits for final assessment.
Osimhen, Lookman, Iheanacho and moses will have their places in the XI.
Angola will have to cope without suspended goalkeeper, Neblu sent off 17minutes into the Namibia tie for handling out his box. Gilberto and Fredy provide support to Dala and Mabululu.
