Nigeria vs Cameroon: 5 things we learnt as Super Eagles qualify for quarter-finals

Nigeria vs Cameroon: 5 things we learnt as Super Eagles qualify for quarter-finals

Nigeria saw off Cameroon 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 clash at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Odion Ighalo opened scoring via a deflected effort, before the Indomitable Lions scored twice through Stephane Bahoken and Clinton N'Jie before the break.

However, Ighalo and Alex Iwobi netted to wrap up a memorable victory for Gernot Rohr's men.

So, what are the five things we learnt from the encounter in Alexandria?

1. Play Chukwueze: This is a no-brainer. Although, he does not have so much experience, the Villarreal is easily the best winger in the current Super Eagles squad. Rohr started with Moses Simon, who was largely ineffective, before Chukwueze arrived in the second half to cause chaos he is capable of.

2. New champions incoming: Cameroon's exit means that a new champion will emerge in this tournament. Some of the favourites are still in there. Senegal qualified yesterday. Egypt should be in that mix, along with Ivory Coast, Algeria and Tunisia.

3. Rohr should still be fired: Yes, the Super Eagles beat Cameroon. But it was not because they were superb on the day. It was because Clarence Seedorf's men were so poor. Rohr is yet to convince with his tactical set-ups and in-game management. And the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has to cut him loose after the tournament.

4. It gets harder: Nigeria will likely face Egypt in the last eight. I really do not expect South Africa to cause an upset later tonight. That means Rohr and his men have to step it up. Not only because they will be facing the hosts; but they have the aggressive home support to overcome too.

5. Ighalo, a match winner: Only 12 months ago, Ighalo was the target of death threats on social media and had to lock the comment section of his Instagram page.

 Today, he was the match winner against the defending champions. He took his two goals well and set up the winner with a sublime assist.

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