91Èȱ¬

Ian Williams
91Èȱ¬ Sport Africa at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium

About an hour before kick-off, as darkness fell, there was the most amazing aerial display around the stadium as thousands upon thousands of bats took to the skies of Abidjan.

Well, with just over 10 minutes to go, Rigobert Song's decision to finally send out the bat signal and call for Vincent Aboubakar got a huge cheer from the Cameroon fans.

Top scorer at the last Afcon two years ago, the Indomitable Lions talisman has yet to play at this tournament because of a hamstring injury.

Can he save his side once again?

Gabriel Zakuani
Former DR Congo international on 91Èȱ¬ Three

It's a lot more patient from Nigeria now. There's less urgency; they're happy to protect what they have.

The experienced Kenneth Omeruo has replaced Zaidu Sanusi for Nigeria.

Cameroon have a first chance to test Francis Uzoho following the goalkeeper's introduction.

Their cross fails to beat the first man.

Francis Uzoho comes on after the unfortunate Stanley Nwabali departs on a stretcher.

Will the Omonia goalkeeper be able to see Nigeria over the line in his first action at the tournament?

Vincent Aboubakar also replaces Oumar Gonzalez for Cameroon, taking the armband as he comes on.

It's the striker's first appearance at the tournament following injury.

He scored eight goal at the 2021 finals and needs to inspire his team here...

We've just had a cooling break, but could Nigeria number two Francis Uzoho be required from the bench here?

Stanley Nwabali makes his way to his feet but is having wrapping applied to a knee and looks in discomfort.

He has to sit on the floor again. Replays show his knee twisted as the goalkeeper landed.

The goalkeeper for Chippa United is on course for a third clean sheet at this tournament.

Image source, Getty Images

More pain for Stanley Nwabali.

The goalkeeper takes a whack to the ribs from a rugby-style collision in an aerial challenge from Cameroon forward Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, who's booked.

N'Koudou was watching the ball and also ends up floored and in need of treatment, for his troubles.

Nwabali needs quite a bit of attention too...

Georges-Kevin N'Koudou angles in a dangerous inswinging cross from the right.

Nigeria keeper Stanley Nwabali sends the ball clear with a strong punch.

Image source, Getty Images

Nigeria can't capitalise on the corner following that sniff of danger for Victor Osimhen, eventually working the ball back to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro will be content with the way this second half is going.

Alex Iwobi almost sends Victor Osimhen clear inside the Cameroon penalty area.

Nouhou Tolo does well to arrow the danger behind with a toe.

Postpublished at 65 mins

65 mins

Nigeria 1-0 Cameroon

Stanley Nwabali is bundled over by Christopher Wooh as the goalkeeper bravely jumps in a crowd to push away a cross at his far post.

The Nigeria goalkeeper requires treatment but is back on his feet.

Oumar Gonzalez has the unenviable task of trying to keep up with and hold off Victor Osimhen as the talisman charges down the left and tries to burst past him.

To his credit, the Al-Raed defender just about succeeds.

Zaidu Sanusi then concedes a silly foul for a challenge on Moumi Ngamaleu, causing Nigeria's pressure to subside.

William Troost-Ekong steps in and sees the ball behind for a goal kick as Frank Magri tries to reach a cross at the near post.

Indomitable Lions boss Rigobert Song applauds but it remains slim pickings for his attacking players.

Ian Williams
91Èȱ¬ Sport Africa at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

We know that Nigerians have a lot of love for African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, but one fan in his Super Eagles shirt a few rows in front of me is taking it to another level.

Not only has he bleached his hair in the exact same style as the Napoli striker, he’s also wearing a Zorro facemask in honour of his hero.

To top it all off, he has one of those mini flags tucked into the mask so the Nigerian colours are fluttering above his blonde barnet.

Olivier Ntcham takes aim from distance, lofting a shot high over the crossbar.

That sums up how little Cameroon have threatened in telling areas.

As they did in the first half, Nigeria are continuing to energetically press Cameroon high up the pitch - perhaps sensing there's another mistake in their opponents' defensive line.

Gabriel Zakuani
Former DR Congo international on 91Èȱ¬ Three

Wooh is very lucky there to get away with a yellow.

It's his mistake and he had to make amends for it but he got on the wrong side.

Ademola Lookman curls the free-kick over the crossbar at venomous speed.

Relief for Cameroon.

Christopher Wooh gives the ball away near the halfway line, allowing Frank Onyeka to surge to the edge of the penalty area.

The Cameroon defender bundles the Brentford midfielder over while trying to rescue the situation.

Image source, Getty Images

Victor Osimhen's 13 shots and four chances created comprised the highest combined tally in those respects by a Nigeria player during the group stage at this tournament since records began in 2010.

His selfless assist for the goal has continued that form, but he's not seen much of the ball during the early stages of a quiet opening to the second half.

Ademola Lookman whips the delivery in. Fabrice Ondoa advances and claims.