AFCON 2023: Will Nigeria find it easy against Angola? Palancas Negras star warns Super Eagles to beware

The West African giants have lifted the continental championships three times and will be expected to edge past the southern African nations

Angola midfielder Manuel Cafumana has warned Nigeria to expect a difficult game when they face the Super Eagles in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles are favourites to claim a victory over an Angolan side that is looking to reach the quarterfinals of the AFCON for the first time in history.

Nigeria are on a quest for a fourth AFCON trophy and have only failed to win a quarterfinal tie once in 11 attempts.

After the elimination of Morocco and Senegal, Nigeria are now the highest-ranked team at the AFCON, while Angola are the lowest-ranked of the remaining eight teams in the tournament.

Still, Maccabi Haifa midfielder Manuel Cafumana insists the Angolans are motivated to beat the odds and defeat the Super Eagles.

The 24-year-old is convinced that Nigeria will not have it easy against the Palancas Negras.

“It will definitely be a very difficult game for both teams,” Manuel Cafumana said at the pre-match press conference, as per the FAF.

“So far, we have already studied the lessons with the work we have done. Long before this CAN, we were already with this coach, and we have been working very well, with a lot of dedication, which has been hard and long-term work.

“The motivation to beat Nigeria has a lot to do with the pride we have for our country.”

This quarter-final clash marks Nigeria’s 102nd AFCON match and, notably, the first meeting with Angola in this prestigious tournament.

However, in other competitions, the teams have crossed paths ten times, with two victories each and five draws.

Nigeria thwarted Angola’s AFCON aspirations in 1984 and 2004, but the Palancas Negras gained redemption by securing a spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the expense of the Super Eagles.