January 26, (THEWILL) – Nigeria and Cameroon will renew their storied Africa Cup of Nations rivalry this Saturday in a mouth-watering last-16 clash in Abidjan. Few fixtures evoke more memories in the competition’s history, with Cameroon having defeated Nigeria in the 1984, 1988 and 2000 finals to claim the title.
Current Indomitable Lions boss Rigobert Song captained Cameroon during that infamous 2000 final in Lagos, scoring the decisive penalty in a shootout victory that lives long in Nigerian infamy due to a controversial disallowed goal. Song again finds himself at the heart of the action as the two giants face off for a place in the quarter-finals.
Despite an unbeaten group stage, Nigeria will be wary of a Cameroon side who have a knack for dramatic comebacks. Trailing 2-1 to Gambia with five minutes left in their final group game, the Lions remarkably turned it around to win 3-2 and advance.
“I have already been declared dead and yet here I am, still alive,” said Song, referencing his miraculous recovery from a stroke in 2016 that left him in a coma at just 40 years old. The man who masterminded Brazil’s first-ever World Cup defeat to an African side in 2022 now hopes to engineer another famous win over familiar foes.
Cameroon lack the star power of African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen, but Karl Toko Ekambi, Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Christopher Wooh and Jean-Charles Castelletto have what it takes to ensure Cameroon’s progress. Having dropped Manchester United keeper Andre Onana last time out, Song will be hoping his gamble pays dividends as the old enemies collide at the scene of their 1984 final.
Whoever prevails on Saturday, will advance to face either Angola or Namibia in the Last 8. Yet, with bitter memories and pride at stake, much more than a quarter-final place will be on the line when these two AFCON heavyweights meet once again. The match will kick off at 9pm local time on Saturday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
