AFCON 2023: Okocha, Utaka's Roles In Nigeria's Big Win Against Cameroon 20 Years Ago, Video Included
- Nigeria's Super Eagles will return to action on Saturday when they face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the ongoing AFCON tournament in Cote d'Ivoire
- Nigeria and her neighbour have met 25 times in the past, and one of the notable ones was the AFCON tournament held in Tunisia in 2004
- The match saw the Super Eagles end Cameroon's hopes of winning a third straight Nations Cup
- In a chat with Legit.ng, Raji Lukman, a football fan compared the Super Eagles 2004 squad to the current team at the ongoing AFCON
The ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cote d'Ivoire continues to generate reactions from football lovers.
Ahead of the match between Nigeria and Cameroon countries' on Saturday, January 27, at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, Legit.ng, take a look at one of the popular faceoffs between the two countries.
Source: Instagram
Nigeria's big win vs Cameroon in 2004
During the AFCON tournament hosted in Tunisia in 2004, the Super Eagles, which had top players like Kanu Nwankwo, Jay Jay Okocha, among others, stalled Cameroon's dream of a third straight title.
The opening game saw Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o open the scoreboard with a goal from his powerful left foot.
However, less than five minutes after Eto's goal, Okocha came through with an equaliser, which boosted the Super Eagles' morale.
Former Arsenal star Kanu gave an incredible assist to John Utaka, who scored the second goal.
It was a big win then, owing to the fact that Nigeria had lost in three finals to Cameroon in the past.
Meet the winning squad of 2004
The Nigerian football squad of 2004 included Vincent Enyeama; Abbey George, Joseph Yobo, Isaac Okoronkwo, Ifeanyi Udeze; John Utaka, Jay Jay Okocha, Seyi Olofinjana, Lawal; Kanu Nwankwo (Joseph Enakahire, 90), Peter Odemwingie (Pius Ikedia, 90).
Twenty years later, Nigerians will be hoping the likes of Victor Osimhen, and Alex Iwobi, among others, will be able to replicate the success to help the Super Eagles progress at the 2023 AFCON.
Watch a clip from Super Eagles clash vs Indomitable Lions in 2004:
How many times have Nigeria and Cameroon met?
According to Goalball reports, the first time Nigeria played against Cameroon was on March 18 1984. This saw Cameroon win their first AFCON against the Super Eagles in the final 3-1, kicking off a rivalry between both countries.
In 2000, Nigeria lost a third AFCON final to Cameroon via penalties after they were held to a 2-2 draw.
Also in the 2019 AFCON clash, the Super Eagles defeated Cameroon with a 3-2 win, knocking them out in the round of 16.
The Saturday clash will be the 26th time both countries will play against each other in all competitions.
Nigeria and Cameroon meet again in AFCON 2023
While the Nigerian Super Eagles have not been impressive in scoring goals against their opponents at the ongoing AFCON, they have managed to progress to the round of 16 after emerging winner over Guinea-Bissua.
However, the Super Eagles' chances of winning their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title continue to get slimmer after they were paired against long-term rivals and neighbours Cameroon.
Cameroon squad of 2004 were in their prime - Football fan
Raji Lukman believes the 2004 Super Eagles squad are better than the current team.
He said:
"The current ones are just starting to get their momentum in this competition. I won't compare the team that played in 2004 when Nigeria defeated Cameroon to the team that played in 2024. That Cameroonian team were in their prime, played with passion and are untouchable. The new team looks beatable when they play a top team. I believe Nigeria has a stronger team compared to their counterpart."
Nigerians insist Andre Onana must play for Cameroon
Ahead of the big match, Nigerians flooded X to urge Cameroon to allow Manchester United flop Andre Onana to man their goalpost.
Many believe this would give the Super Eagles an easy win against their neighbours.
So far, since he arrived at Old Trafford, Onana has conceded 47 goals in 30 appearances for Manchester United.
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Source: Legit.ng
