The Palancas Negras of Angola manager, Pedro Goncalves, explained why the Super Eagles defeated his team in the quarter-finals.
Angola lost to Nigeria courtesy of Ademola Lookman’s first-half goal on Friday, February 2, bringing their journey to an end at the ongoing CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Speaking after the match, Goncalves said Nigeria had a very strong squad and was more efficient than a team, Sports Brief reported.
“It was a demanding game. Trying to mourn about this defeat is not a good attitude to have. Our strikers didn’t perform. Nigeria were more efficient.”
He also said his team suffered from fatigue after playing in three different cities, unlike the Super Eagles who had been in Abidjan for all their games.
“Nigeria has never left Abidjan since the start of the competition but we (Angola) have played in about three cities. Truthfully, fatigue also played a path in our performance but it is still no excuse. Let’s just commend ourselves for getting this far.”
Nigerians were in a celebration mood after the Super Eagles defeated the Palancas Negras of Angola in the quarter-final of the ongoing 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Lookman’s goal was enough to qualify the Super Eagles for the semi-final, where they will face either South Africa or Cape Verde.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, said:
“It was a “Hard-fought victory, but well deserving. We won because of the individual qualities of our players and especially the quality of that final ball laid to Lookman who is likely to emerge the player of the tournament.”
Nigeria has now booked a place in the semi-finals for the 16th time in the competition’s history after beating Angola.