Cameroon land in Abidjan for Nigeria clash as Rigobert Song receives Vincent Aboubakar boost

Cameroon’s national football team is set to touch down in Abidjan today as the Indomitable Lions gear up for their highly anticipated last-16 showdown against Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Both Cameroon and Nigeria secured their spots in the first knockout round after finishing as runners-up in their respective groups.

The Félix Houphouet Boigny stadium will host this clash on Saturday, January 27, kicking off at 9 p.m.

It is noteworthy that this stadium witnessed Nigeria’s victorious last group match against Guinea-Bissau, ending 1-0.

Unlike Nigeria, who have been stationed in Abidjan for all three of their group matches, Cameroon traversed stadiums during the group stage.

Two games were played at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, while their final match took place at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.

For their encounter with Nigeria, the Indomitable Lions will move from their base in Bouaké to the capital, Abidjan. Covering a distance of approximately 343.2 km, this journey is a four-and-a-half-hour drive by road.

Following their triumphant performance against Gambia, the Indomitable Lions resumed training in Bouaké on Wednesday.

Departing early on Thursday morning, they will embark on a flight to Abidjan on the same day, ensuring ample time for preparation.

In a positive turn of events for Cameroon, head coach Rigobert Song has received encouraging news on the injury front.

Star forward Vincent Aboubakar and Clinton Njie, both previously sidelined, have made a full recovery. Aboubakar, injured during training in Yamoussoukro just days before the tournament, is back after a ten-day absence.

A pivotal player in Cameroon’s 2017 AFCON victory and the top scorer in the 2021 edition, Aboubakar’s return adds firepower to the team as they brace for the crucial clash against Nigeria.