The West African powerhouse will be favourites to claim a third-ever win over the Pelancas Negras and book a spot in the final four of the competition
The Super Eagles are billed to face Angola’s Palancas Negras on Friday in a quarterfinal clash at the ongoing 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, Soccernet.ng reports.
The stakes could not be higher, with a whopping $2.5 million (approximately N2.24 billion) prize awaiting the victors, as stipulated by the Confederation of African Football for any team advancing to the semifinals.
Having already secured $800,000 in prize money for progressing beyond the group stage, the Nigerian squad bolstered their coffers with an additional $1.3 million by beating Cameroon to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
Now, another triumph against Angola would guarantee them a minimum payday of USD 2.5 million, as both teams failing to advance beyond the semifinals will each receive this sum.
However, this match holds significance beyond the potential cash windfall and semifinal berth.
For Nigerian fans and players alike, it is a chance for redemption and remembrance.
Angola’s historic role in thwarting Nigeria’s bid for the 2006 FIFA World Cup still lingers in memory, with the Super Eagles falling short after a narrow 1-0 loss in Luanda was followed by a tense 1-1 draw at in Kano.
Moreover, the match carries emotional weight as Nigerian football enthusiasts recall the tragic passing of Eagles star Samuel Okwaraji during a 1990 World Cup qualifier against Angola.
While the allure of the $7 million prize for the AFCON winner and $4 million for the runner-up looms large, the Super Eagles are focused on the immediate task at hand: overcoming Angola and securing their path to AFCON glory.
Nigeria’s game with Angola will be played at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Friday, February 2.
While the Palancas Negras are eyeing their first-ever semifinal appearance, Nigeria boast a track record of reaching the semifinals in 15 out of their previous 19 appearances in the competition.
