BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – The Super Eagles of Nigeria will this night face a tough battle taking on an impressive Palancas Negras (Black Sable Antelopes) of Angola side searching for a last-four berth in the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations now in its quarter-finals stage
Coach Jose Peseiro’s men are seeking to reach the tournament’s semi-finals for the first time since 2019 in this opening fixture of the last-eight round slated for the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Having dumped arch-rivals Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 2-0 out of the competition at the same venue in the round of 16, the three-time AFCON winners, on paper, are considered favourites but the so-called minnows have continued to mess up predictions by football pundits with their enthralling displays giving fans much to cheer and sending many pre-tournament big names home in shame.
With top-quality players and experience to rely on, the Super Eagles’ attack, led by reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, along with the in-form Ademola Lookman, is expected to do the job while also banking on the backline considered the competition’s meanest defence, having conceded just once, to keep the Angolans at bay.
But brimming in confidence after surprisingly topping Group D unbeaten, the Palancas Negras are in their first quarter-final since hosting the 2010 tournament. Led by star striker Gelson Dala, who netted twice against Namibia, the team has one of the most potent attacks at AFCON 2023 with nine goals in four games.
Interestingly, Dala has warned Nigeria saying; “We will fight and make life hard for them. With our fans, we believe we can win.”
Also adding his voice to Dala’s position, the Angolan Coach Pedro Gonçalves said; “We respect Nigeria but fear nobody. The pressure is on them as favourites. “We respect Nigeria for what they have demonstrated so far in African football. Currently, Nigeria has a very strong team with players who play in major European leagues, such as the Premier League and Serie A… They use the best playing system to compete in this Africa Cup of Nations.”
On his part, Eagles’ Coach Peseiro admits they are expecting a tough test, noting thus; “Angola are unpredictable with some very dangerous players. We cannot underestimate them.”
No doubt, this year’s AFCON has been full of surprises, and the Super Eagles must watch their backs to avoid being the next big-name casualty in the hands of a revitalised Palancas Negras desperate to defy the odds.
Comments on the match schedule to kick off at 6 pm Nigerian time
Jose Peseiro – Nigeria’s Coach: “It’s a quarter-final match. Both teams want to reach the semi-finals. It will be a tough match; we will bring commitment and sacrifice to try to overcome this great team, even if it’s not a big name, to reach the semi-final.” “Angola is not a big name in Africa, but they play very well. They are not here by luck; they have shown a lot of capability to reach the quarter-finals. Our team has scored 5 goals in 4 matches so far. We will attack with 11 and defend with 11 as well.”
Alex Iwobi – Nigeria’s Midfielder: “We watched the videos. It will be a tough match. They won the last match with a large score, and we also defended well. We will give everything on the field to reach the semi-finals.” “We have to respect Angola a lot. If they are at this stage of the competition, it means they are a great team. We need the entire team to defend. It won’t be easy because it’s a team that scores a lot. I rely on my teammates to meet the challenge.”
Pedro Gonçalves – Angola’s Coach: “This match means a lot for our team and for the entire Angolan nation, which has dreamed for years of seeing the team at this stage of the competition. We will face Nigeria, a great nation in African football… This match is an opportunity to show our worth; we have worked and given our all to reach this level of competition. I congratulate my team, which has always been dedicated. The match is an opportunity to show that we have evolved.
Manuel Cafumana – Angola’s Player: “Tomorrow, we will have a match that will allow us to prove ourselves. I am proud of what we have accomplished since the beginning and especially the pride that we currently represent for our country… We will fight against Nigeria as we did in the first four matches. We will play as usual.” – With agency reports
