Eagles subdue lions

The Cameroonians started the game in a lightening pace, to keep the Eagles on a defensive edge.

The lion’s prowl was obvious in the 8th minute as Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o disposed Ifeanyi Udeze and attempted to chip Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama from thirty yards but his effort appears poor and way off target.

Nigeria also went on the attack with the pace of youngster Osaze Odemwingie troubling the Lions defence.

Back breaking goal
Shockingly Cameroon took the lead capitalising on a defensive blunder in the 40th minute.

A counter attack from the Lions resulted in a long range pass from Geremi Njitap into the Eagle’s goal area which catches the Nigerian defence unaware and Samuel Eto'o pounces to steer the ball past Enyeama for his first goal of the 2004 Cup of Nations.

Eto'o had outpaced Nigerian defender Isaac Okoronkwo as the Indomitable Lions employed a classic counter-attack.

Deserved equaliser
The stunned Nigerian side responded with a strong attacking move and won a free kick in the 44th minute for their endless efforts.

Under pressure lion’s skipper Rigobert Song had fouled John Utaka outside the box and Austin Okocha coolly curled the ball over the Cameroonian wall and into the right hand of goal keeper Kameni, to register a deserved equaliser.

Second half
Nigeria entered the second half more determined marching the Cameroonians grit for grit thus reflecting a confident play from the Eagles.

Nigeria’s consistent efforts for the winner finally paid off in the 73rd minute when Nwankwo Kanu passed the ball into space for an onrushing John Utaka, who slotted the ball under Kameni’s arm for the second goal.

The Eagles lived dangerously for the rest of the half, but for brave saves from Vincent Enyeama and decent defensive play from Joseph Yobo which thwarted the lion’s effort.

With the game slipping out of the lion’s den, Idrissou Mohamadou and Pius Ndiefi came into the fray for Tchato Jackson and Patrick Mboma but resilient defending from the Nigerian side only worsened Coach Winfred Schaefer’s already frustrated afternoon.

After four minutes of added play, Moroccan referee, Guezzaz Mohamed finally brought the game to an end resulting in a wild celebration from the Nigerian end of the Stade Ben Jannet.

After match reactions:

“During our time, we were beating them, then all of a sudden they took over, we have beaten them now so it’s our time and there is nothing anybody can do about it” Nigeria Coach Christian Chukwu explained
philosophically.

Man of the match and scorer of Nigeria’s first goal, Austin Okocha sounded bold and more relaxed in his reaction to the victory.

“I was a little apprehensive when we took the lead, wondering if we could maintain it because I remember well the memories of playing the same team and losing to them on home soil in 2000, it’s a great relief we won” he voiced.

Looming semi final with the host
After subduing the Cameroonian challenge, Nigeria is looking forward to the semi final clash against the host country with great caution.

“I have been playing now for fourteen years and I believe am experience enough to know that crowds don’t win matches. We will take the game as it comes” the Nigerian skipper added amidst caution.

How they played:

Cameroon: 1-Idriss Carlos Kameni; 2-Jean-Joel Perrier Doumbe, 3-Bill Tchato, 4-Rigobert Song, 13-Lucien Mettomo; 5-Timothee Atouba, 7-Modeste Mbami, 8-Geremi Fotso Njitap, 19-Eric Djemba Djemba; 9-Samuel Eto'o, 10-Patrick Mboma

Nigeria: 1-Vincent Enyeama; 2-Joseph Yobo, 5-Isaac Okoronkwo, 15-George Abbey, 16-Ifeanyi Udeze; 4-Nwankwo Kanu, 10-Jay-Jay Okocha, 11-Garba Lawal, 14-Seyi Olofinjana; 7-John Utaka, 20-Osaze Odemwingie

Referee: Mohamed Guezzaz (Morocco).