Nigeria ousted holders and bitter rivals, Cameroon, from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday.
The Super Eagles scored twice in three minutes to come from behind and win a thrilling last-16 match 3-2 in Alexandria.
Odion Ighalo gave Nigeria a 19th minute lead, but Cameroon hit back with two goals in quick succession before half-time from Stephane Bahoken and Clinton Njie to take a 2-1 lead.
Ighalo levelled again for Nigeria in the 63rd minute, before Alex Iwobi snatched the winner for the jubilant Super Eagles three minutes later.
The win earned Nigeria a quarter-final place against South Africa on Wednesday.
In another tension-soaked match, hosts Egypt crashed out of 2019 AFCON after a late Thembinkosi Lorch goal gave South Africa a 1-0 win in Cairo in a Round of 16 clash.
The 1996 champions will now meet three-times champions Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for making progress in the ongoing African Cup of Nations 2019 in Egypt, after a delightful win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday, Buhari acknowledged the hardwork, team spirit and sportsmanship the Eagles had exhibited in the tournament.
The president said such virtues were good signs for a team destined to excel, but added however, that there were more hurdles to scale before lifting the trophy.
He urged the team and their handlers to remain focused and determined and assured them of the fervent prayers and support of all Nigerians.
A former FIFA/CAF Instructor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, and some other football lovers also congratulated the Super Eagles.
They said the Eagles must step up their game in the remaining matches.
Onigbinde congratulated Nigeria and the Super Eagles on their victory over Cameroon, wishing them further successes.
“I say a big congratulations to Nigeria and the Super Eagles on this victory. I wish the country and the team further successes,” he said.
Mr Niyi Alebiosu, Chairman, Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State chapter, said the victory was well deserved.
“It is a well deserved victory. Nigerians must learn how to support their own than condemning them. I was optimistic that Eagles will defeat Cameroon.
“The Super Eagles’ loss to Madagascar was a wake up call. Also, the rivalry between Nigeria and Cameroon over the years was a key factor in the match,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the team would be in the semi-final and probably final.
Mr Dotun Ajibade, a football enthusiast, congratulated the team and Nigerians on the victory, urging them to be more focused.
Other Nigerians commended the Eagles for their superb come back to secure the victory.
They, however, warned the team to step up their game and be more focused to win their remaining matches.
Also, Mutiu Adepoju, an ex international, hailed Super Eagles’ win with a call on the team to be more cohesive in their next matches.
Adepoju said that the team still needs to improve in all departments to go far in the competition.
“It was a hard fought win, so we need to just commend and congratulate the boys.
“After scoring the first goal, I think we relaxed a little bit and that allowed our opponent to back into the game, scoring two goals in less than four minutes,” he said.
He stressed the need for the team to be more cohesive and avoid loss of concentration throughout the duration of the game.
The former Super Eagles midfielder called for a mass attack and mass defence approach in the quarter-finals match, with each department of the team helping each other on and off the ball.
“The team should attack as a group and not always leave Igahlo isolated upfront.
“The attackers and midfielders must also join the defence when the pressure is on us. We should break play from midfield and avoid those diagonal crosses into our box,” he added.
