The Africa Cup of Nations has produced many memorable clashes through the years, but few rivalries ignite the passions of fans more than Cameroon versus Nigeria. This Saturday in Abidjan, the two nations collide again in the AFCON round of 16, recalling their three past final showdowns and other tournament thrillers.
At the heart of this latest chapter is Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song, the former national team captain who etched his name in AFCON folklore by netting the Cup-winning penalty against Nigeria in 2000. Now on the touchline, Song will aim to outwit Nigeria once more and pave the way for a quarterfinal spot.
The first final between the neighboring rivals came in 1984, as a veteran Nigeria side featuring Stephen Keshi and Rashidi Yekini were upset 3-1 by Roger Milla’s upstart Cameroonian outfit. Four years later, it was Cameroon again hoisting the trophy after besting Nigeria 1-0 in Casablanca.
But the 2000 Lagos final became an instant AFCON classic. With Jay-Jay Okocha starring for Nigeria and teenage striker Samuel Eto’o emerging for Cameroon, a 2-2 stalemate brought on extra time and then penalties. After Victor Ikpeba’s kick controversially hit the bar, Song stepped up and buried the winning spot-kick, sparking jubilation.
“I have not been back to Lagos since that day,” said Cameroon’s Patrick Mboma recently. “It’s a memory that will never be forgotten here.”
Now aged 47, Song has already overcome steep odds in his career, returning from a stroke in 2016 that left him in a coma. As Cameroon boss, he engineered a stunning World Cup win over Brazil in 2022. But Cameroon’s poor start to this AFCON had put Song under fire, until a thrilling last-gasp win against Gambia secured qualification.
Cameroon’s path to the knockouts was more perilous. They began Group C with a 1-1 stalemate against Guinea before being soundly beaten 3-1 by defending champions Senegal. With progression on the line in their final game against Gambia, Cameroon stunningly rallied from 2-1 down in the 85th minute to score twice and claim a 3-2 victory to advance. That thrilling comeback win embodied the resilient spirit of Song’s squad, proving they can never be counted out.
Cameroon’s current squad lacks the star power of past editions. With Manchester United keeper Andre Onana out of favor, the pressure falls on Song to squeeze every ounce of talent from his unheralded troops against Nigeria’s imposing attack, led by Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria took a more assured path to the knockouts. They opened Group A with a 1-1 draw against fellow contenders Equatorial Guinea. The Super Eagles then ground out consecutive 1-0 wins over African powerhouses Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau to clinch first place. With maximum points from their last two matches, Nigeria gained momentum and demonstrated a stingy defense anchored by goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
The focus rests heavily on the tactical acumen of coach Song to inspire an underdog victory against their arch-rivals. His big-game experience could prove pivotal.
But with the stakes high, Song’s big-game pedigree could inspire the Indomitable Lions. Another Cup of Nations triumph over their arch-rivals would be the ultimate redemption.
On Saturday in Abidjan, the AFCON’s greatest rivalry resumes. Can Rigobert Song once again orchestrate a masterpiece against Nigeria? All of Africa will be watching.
