Nigeria 3-2 Cameroon
This clash always promised Africa Cup of Nations 2019 highlights.
This clash always meant one of Africa’s super-powers would be on their way home early.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winners against the holders in Alexandria dubbed a battle of the big beasts.
And, by and large, it didn’t disappoint.
Highlights of the game
Both nations went into the match needing a boost. Cameroon have proven goal-shy in attack; the defending champions had only scored two goals in their opening three games.
Meanwhile, Nigeria — albeit a much-changed side with qualification already assured — were looking to bounce back from their shock defeat to debutants Madagascar.
Before kick-off, former Super Eagles skipper Nwankwo Kanu– twice African Player of the Year — asserted Nigeria would be too strong.
After all, this is a country that has reached the semi-finals in 11 of the past 12 tournaments they have qualified for.
Yet they had to respond to the Madagascar result earlier this week, which ended an unbeaten run which stretched back to last summer’s World Cup.
That was evident as Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr made five changes to his starting line-up, with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi and Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi among those returning to the side.
While good defensively, the main concern for Cameroon coach Clarence Seedorf was their forward line.
That was why it was a surprise to see forward Karl Toko Ekambi, top scorer at Villarreal in La Liga last season with 10 goals, left on the bench.
If a 17th-minute header had fallen to him, however, it may not necessarily have been the same story.
Defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui certainly timed his run to perfection to meet a corner but just couldn’t keep his header down.
His miss proved costly as Nigeria took the lead just two minutes later.
Cameroon’s defence wasn’t able to clear the ball clear and Chelsea’s Kenneth Omeruo – their longest serving player but virtually an unknown at Stamford Bridge – found former Watford favourite Odion Ighalo, whose deflected strike managed to find the net.
Amid a colourful atmosphere with fan saxophones, drums and trumpets galore adding to the sense of occasion, holders Cameroon were enjoying long spells of possession but were unable to get close to goal.
Then, just as Nigeria had, Cameroon scored with their first effort on target.
Christian Bassogog was instrumental with his pinpoint delivery and Stephane Bahoken could barely miss.
After not scoring since their first game, Cameroon had found the net, and like the proverbial buses, after such a wait, another one came soon after.
In fact, it took just three minutes as Stephane Bahoken’s flick-on sent Clinton Njie clear. Njie held off his marker before slotting the ball expertly beyond Daniel Akpeyi to give the hosts what had seemed an unlikely half-time advantage.
It took a fine save from Akpeyi seven minutes after the restart to keep Nigeria in touch. Nije’s attempted pass came off an opponent and was heading in until the Eagles’ shot-stopper managed to get a hand to the ball in the nick of time.
It proved to be a turning point.
The move that brought a 63rd-minute equaliser was a thing of beauty.
A sweeping Nigeria exchange saw Ahmed Musa chest a cross into the path of Ighalo, who volleyed into the net from close range.
No sooner had the celebrations died down then the Super Eagles were celebrating again.
This time, Ighalo turned provider with a clever pass to tee-up Iwobi, who kept his cool to fire Nigeria back in front.
But for a crucial late save from Andre Onana, Ighalo would have completed a hat-trick.
Yet it didn’t matter.
Nigeria had done enough. Cameroon, the holders, are out.
Key statistics
This was the seventh meeting of these two nations at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria have won seven of their last eight AFCON games, the only exception being against Madagascar.
Cameroon had been unbeaten in their last nine games in the AFCON before tonight, their joint-longest such streak in the tournament.
Cameroon have conceded three goals against Nigeria, as many as in their previous nine Africa Cup of Nations games.
What’s next?
It’s back to the Africa Nations Championship for Cameroon this autumn. They meet Sao Tome and Principe in September in the second round of the tournament.
A quarter-final now awaits Nigeria on Wednesday (July 10) against South Africa.
The SBOBET Africa Cup of Nations 2019 betting odds may well favour the winners of that tie to go on and be crowned champions on July 19.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
