Indomitable Lions face Super Eagles in a repeat of 1984 finals in Abidjan

Thunder they say can strike again in the same place at different times.

This same can be expected when Cameroon’s senior men’s national team trade tackles with their Nigerian counterparts in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The knockout stage tie rekindled the rivalry between the two teams that have eight AFCON titles shared between themselves.

Cameroon has won five African titles beating Nigeria three times in those title triumphs.

Nigeria are three-time winners with victories in 1980, 1994, and 2013.

A second-placed finish for both sides in Group A (Nigeria) and Group C (Cameroon) respectively set up a much-awaited knockout schedule for the two neighboring teams.

The match venue, Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan is getting ready to welcome the two teams.

It was on the same turf where both teams battled out the 1984 AFCON final.

On 18th March 1984, Président Félix Houphouët-Boigny declared a public holiday to encourage football fans to troop to the stadium for the final, as public interest in the competition had waned following the group stage elimination of the Elephants.

Nigeria got in front after 10 minutes when Muda Lawal toe-poked a deflected pull-out past Joseph Antoine-Bell.

The Lions equalised just before half-time, Stephen Keshi unwittingly diverting the ball into his own net from a free-kick, and they seized the game by the throat in the second half, deploying the experience and exposure from playing three matches unbeaten at the 1982 FIFA World Cup finals in Spain. They won 3-1.

A win for Rigobert Song’s side over Jose Peseiro’s unbeaten side will be a repeat of what happened in 1984 at the same venue.

In case Nigeria comes out victorious, the West African side will maintain their unbeaten run at the tournament with two wins and a draw so far.

The winner will make it to the quarter-final with a chance to go far in the competition.