Super Eagles of Nigeria rekindled hope of winning the 32nd edition of the African Nations Cup on Saturday when they braced all odds to defeat the defending champions, Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the Round of 16.
After their floppy performance against Madagascar in the group’s last match football buffs had written the team off but the Nigerians proved bookmakers wrong playing one of the best games of the tournament at the Alexandria Stadium and showing their true worth against holders Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo drew the first blood in the 19th minute of the energy-sapping game. But the Indomitable Lions who had possession advantage of 59-41 rose to the occasion and levelled up in the 41st minute through Stephane Bahoken. The Cameroonian took the lead three minutes later with a superb placing by Clinton N’Jie.
Nigeria reacted perfectly to what looked like an onslaught in the second half but it took Ighalo 18 minutes in the second half to get the equalizer. Arsenal pearl, Alex Iwobi gave Nigeria a deserved victory with a master stroke in the 66th minute after Ighalo’s assist.
Nigeria started out well in Group B with 1-0 wins over Burundi and Guinea, with former Watford forward Odion Ighalo and Chelsea employee Kenneth Omeruo grabbing the goals.
However, the Super Eagles were then stunned by Madagascar, losing 2-0 after making several changes, with centre-half Leon Balogun badly at fault for the first strike.
Cameroon has not beaten Nigeria in regulation time since 1989.
