In a clash of African football titans, Nigeria and Cameroon gear up to face each other today in the last-16 stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan.
This encounter holds significant historical weight as it marks the second time these two teams meet at this same venue, with the first encounter dating back to the final of the 1984 AFCON, where Cameroon emerged victorious with a 3-1 win.
Nigeria struck first in that memorable final through Muda Lawal, only to be met with a fierce response from Cameroon, who clinched their first-ever AFCON title with goals from Rene N'Djeya, Theophile Abega, and Ernest Lottin Ebongue.
As the teams prepare to square off again, Nigeria seek redemption while Cameroon aims to replicate their past success.
Here are five reasons why Nigeria stands a chance of triumphing over Cameroon today:
History favours Nigeria
In their 17 competitive matches, Nigeria hold the upper hand with nine wins compared to Cameroon's four.
Interestingly, Cameroon's victories over Nigeria have primarily been in the AFCON finals, including the 1984, 1988, and 2000 editions.
However, outside of final encounters, Nigeria have consistently emerged victorious, including wins in the third-place match at AFCON 1992, quarterfinals in 2004, and last-16 stage in 2019.
With history on their side, Nigeria eye another victory at the last-16 stage of the 2023 AFCON.
Psychological advantage
With 11 players from the squad that secured a 3-2 victory over Cameroon in the last 16 of the 2019 AFCON still in the team, Nigeria hold a significant psychological edge.
Key players like Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and William Troost-Ekong, who were instrumental in the previous win, are expected to feature prominently, providing Nigeria with a mental boost.
Cameroon's poor form
Cameroon enter this clash amid a lackluster run of form, having won only two out of eight matches in 2023 and struggling to find consistency in 2024.
In contrast, Nigeria have had a slightly better run, securing four victories and only one loss in 2023.
While form often has little significance in top-draw clashes between African powerhouses, Nigeria have maintained dominance over Cameroon in recent years, losing only one of the last eight matches between the two teams since the 2000 AFCON final.
Superior performance in Ivory Coast
Nigeria and Cameroon finished as runners-up in their respective groups, setting the stage for this round-of-16 showdown.
Nigeria, however, displayed better consistency by remaining unbeaten with two wins and a draw, while a win, a draw, and a loss marked Cameroon's journey.
Despite Cameroon's late heroics against Gambia, Nigeria's stronger team and quality performances throughout the tournament position them as favourites in this encounter.
Potential unleashed
Despite not hitting peak form in the tournament, Nigeria's Super Eagles have shown glimpses of their potential, notably defeating the host nation, Cote d'Ivoire, with a commanding display.
Led by Africa's standout player, Victor Osimhen, Nigeria possess the firepower to capitalise on scoring opportunities, having created the most big chances at AFCON 2023.
Having conceded just one goal in three games, the Super Eagles also boast the joint-best defensive record with Morocco and Senegal.
With the handbrake off and a desire for redemption against Cameroon, Nigeria's Super Eagles are poised to elevate their game and secure victory in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
