AFCON 2023: Nigerians say Moses Simon deserved Man of the Match more than Ademola Lookman

At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire, the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 to advance to the semifinals.

In a tense first half, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a huge save to stop Mabululu.

Ademola Lookman's goal in the first half secured the spot for the three-time past winners in the final four.

After the interval, Angola struck the crossbar but failed to score a goal of their own, ending another outstanding tournament.

Four minutes before halftime, the Atalanta winger scored a goal by turning in Moses Simon's cross to secure a spot in the round of sixteen against either Cape Verde or South Africa.

Just before the hour, Angola had a chance to reply when Zine, the substitute, seized upon Show's throughball and beat Nwabali, only to have his first-time effort bounce back off the post.

The Super Eagles persevered to guarantee their spot in the semi-finals despite VAR denying Victor Osimhen, whose header from Lookman's free-kick was flagged offside.

Lookman who was Man of the Match against Cameroon, now has three goals at the AFCON, and now Nigerians are in love with the Atalanta forward.

Nigerian football fans praised Lookman for once again rescuing the Super Eagles once again.

However, Simon who was provided the assist was selected by the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Man of the Match in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final triumph over Angola.

Speaking after the game, he said, "I'm very happy but the most important thing is that we won.

"You can be man of the match and your team loses the game."

The 28-year-old Simon won the Man of the Match title against Guinea-Bissau during the group stage, and he repeated the feat at this tournament.

There was criticism when he won his Man of the Match award but after his second Nigerians were satisfied with his performance.