Nigeria-Angola: Lookman as a superhero, Osimhen still mute... the tops and flops

Tops

When everyone is waiting for Osimhen's goal, it's Lookman who answers the call. After his decisive double in the round of 16 against Cameroon, the Atalanta player did it again, and in what way. All eyes are on Victor Osimhen and number 18 understands this well. So when the Neapolitan loves the Angolan defense, Ademola Lookman frees himself at the entrance to the area, and knocks out the Palancas Negras with a powerful first-intention strike. Solid Bergamo was once again vital for his country. Since the start of the final phase, it's simple, it's him who scored the 3 goals for the Super-Eagles.

It's a real raptor. The Nantais winger gave his prey no respite. Placed on the left side of the starting line-up, he actually occupied both flanks of the Nigerien attack. Number 15 made the Angolan Antelopes run, and put on a show throughout the match. Even when Nigeria protected its goal in the final moments, he grabbed the ball to push the Palancas Negras into their camp, and warded off the danger in his own way.

Flops

The Angolan central led his defense throughout the match thanks to his leadership. But even though he won a good number of duels, and stopped many opposing attempts, the only downside in his game cost his team qualification. A few minutes before half-time, the Nigerien players went on the attack, and the defender was too naive. Gaspar threw himself on the Simon rocket far too easily, attacking his area, and especially in search of the Lookman scorer. This error was fatal and contrasted with his very good 90 minutes.

It is difficult to judge Victor Osimhen's game as bad. But since the start of the competition, the observation has been the same. The star of the Nigerian selection is not the expected X factor. After an opening goal against Equatorial Guinea, the Naples striker remained silent, yet there was no shortage of opportunities. This Friday evening, he had many chances to score, as evidenced by his three headers in the first half, or especially his missed face-to-face in the 81st minute which could have avoided a stressful end to the match for his teammates. The content is there and Osimhen even scored in an offside position, but the numbers are not there. Fortunately for him he can count on Lookman.