Having unexpectedly qualified for the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon now prepare to face Nigeria in what promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the knockout phase.
Cameroon, after being thoroughly outplayed by Gambia and even trailing late on, snatched victory thanks to a late goal from Christopher Wooh of Stade Rennais, ending the game 3-2. This victory, combined with Guinea’s 0-2 defeat by Senegal in the other Group C match, meant that the Indomitable Lions finished second in their group.
In theory, by finishing second in their group, Cameroon could have expected a more accessible opponent than if they had finished third, behind Senegal and Guinea. However, the many surprises at this Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire completely changed the picture. Nigeria, who finished second in their group behind Equatorial Guinea, now face Cameroon in the Round of 16.
Nigeria vs Cameroon, the first big game
Having narrowly reached the knockout phase, Rigobert Song’s team must prepare for an intense match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who remain unbeaten and notably won their match against Côte d’Ivoire (1-0) in Group A. Victor Osimhen’s team are slight favourites in this clash with Cameroon. The match will be played on Saturday 27 January at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan at 9pm.
This showdown between Cameroon, five-time winners of the competition, and Nigeria, three-time champions, promises to be an exciting duel between two nations with semi-final ambitions. Equatorial Guinea, one of the surprises of the first round, having qualified ahead of Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, will take on Guinea.
The programme for the Round of 16 has already been drawn up :
- Nigeria v Cameroon, scheduled for 27 January at 9pm in Abidjan.
- Cape Verde taking on Mauritania on 29 January in Abidjan.
- Equatorial Guinea v Guinea, 6pm on 28 January in Abidjan.
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