AFCON 2023: Nigeria vs Angola: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

AFCON favourites Nigeria will face high-flying Angola in the first quarter-final

Nigeria head into this match with an impressive overall record, having suffered only one defeat in their last 10 games. They secured five victories and four draws, netting 18 goals in the process. Despite a relatively quiet goal-scoring performance at AFCON,

Nigeria have showcased a robust defense, conceding just one goal in four games, establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s best defensive teams. However, their next challenge will be against a high-scoring opponent.

Angola, topping Group D and causing a surprise elimination for Algeria, enters the knockout stage with only one loss in their last 10 games. Despite six draws in that period, their last three matches were victories. Angola have demonstrated a potent attacking threat at AFCON, scoring nine goals so far. With a convincing 3-0 win against Namibia in the previous round, they aim to continue their impressive form in the upcoming game.

Kick-Off:

Friday; 2 February 2024, 05:00 PM GMT (10:30 PM IST)

Location: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium

Form

Nigeria (all competitions): L-D-W-W-W

Angola (all competitions): D-D-D-L-W

Players to Watch

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

Ademola Lookman, the dynamic winger from Atalanta, emerged as the standout player in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16, contributing both goals. This performance added to his earlier goal against Equatorial Guinea in Nigeria’s opening AFCON game.

Known for his rapid pace and ability to trouble defenses, Lookman relishes the opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage. There are high expectations for Lookman to sustain his excellent form throughout the remainder of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.

Gelson Dala (Angola)

Gelson Dala, the forward for Angola, has shouldered the creative responsibilities for his team at AFCON, registering four goals and one assist thus far. In their recent match, he played a crucial role in all three goals, scoring twice and providing an assist for his strike partner Mabululu. He ranks second in the tournament in the list of top goalscorers. Dala aspires to deliver a top-tier performance for his national team in the upcoming game.

Match facts

• Nigeria enjoy a better head-to-head record over Angola.
• Nigeria have only conceded one goal this AFCON campaign.
• This is the first-ever time Angola has won more than one match at an Africa Cup of Nations.

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Injury and Team News

The Super Eagles approach this match without any suspensions, but their starting goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabili, sustained a late injury in the 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16, leading to his substitution after 80 minutes. His availability for the upcoming game remains uncertain.

On the other hand, the visiting team faces no injury concerns as they head into the quarter-finals with a fully fit core squad ready for action. However, they will be missing their starting goalkeeper Neblu, who received a red card in their last game. Manager Pedro Goncalves plans to stick with the same combination as Angola aims to progress further in the competition.

Head-to-Head

Matches – 10

Nigeria – 3

Angola – 2

Draws – 5

Predicted lineup for Nigeria vs Angola

Nigeria  predicted lineup

Uzoho; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi; Simon, Osimhen, Lookman

Angola predicted lineup

Signori; Afonso, Gaspar, Buatu-Mananga, Carneiro; Fredy, Show, Estrela; Gilberto, Mabululu, Dala

Match prediction for Nigeria vs Angola

It’s noteworthy that all previous meetings have been closely contested affairs, and the upcoming match is expected to follow suit. Given the knockout nature of the game, both teams are likely to adopt a defensive stance, seizing the opportune moments to launch attacks.

Nevertheless, Nigeria appears to possess a stronger defense in the tournament. Additionally, their attackers exhibit individual brilliance capable of turning the tide in their favour. Therefore, it is anticipated that they will have a slight advantage in this encounter.

Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Angola

Telecast for Nigeria vs Angola

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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