Renewal of hostilities: Nigeria will face Cameroon in AFCON round of 16

Nigeria and Cameroon will renew their rivalry in the round of 16 tie at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

This encounter promises to be another chapter in the enduring saga between the two football teams.

As always, the clash between them is anticipated to be a thrilling game of football, with both teams bringing a history of intense competition to the pitch.

Although both teams haven’t exactly made waves in this year’s AFCON, the fixture still demands absolute focus and intensity from both sides.

The Super Eagles have been wasteful in the final third, squandering scarce chances.

The Nigerian side defeated the wild dogs of Guinea-Bissau without having a single shot on target to qualify for the round of 16.

Cameroon scored two late goals to defeat Gambia 3-2 in their final group game at the Stade de Bouaké on Tuesday.

The Indomitable Lions finished second in Group C with four points and a superior goal difference over Guinea, who were defeated 2-0 by Senegal in the group’s other game.

As this monumental and historical clash draws close, it is necessary to recall that unlike traditional rivalries borne out of geographical proximity, the clash between the Super Eagles and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon is fuelled by a history of persistent competition for football honours.

The two national teams have faced off 25 times, with Nigeria enjoying a better head-to-head record of 12 wins and 8 draws over Cameroon.

The last time they met at AFCON was in the second round of the 2019 edition. Nigeria won the tie 3-2 en route to winning bronze in the competition.

Cameroon will play Nigeria in the second-round match on January 27 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.