Anthony Okpotu came through on Sunday for the Super Eagles to deliver a soul lifting goal with the team on the cusp of defeat and thus inspired Nigeria to the semi-final of the African Nations Championship, defeating Angola 2-1 after extra-time thanks to a Gabriel Okechukwu goal.

Nigeria came from behind – the second time in the championship – to secure a sweet victory, this time, against Angola from the 109th minute goal by Gabriel.

If Okpotu’s goal lifted the Eagles then Gabriel’s strike, struck the dagger that broke the Angolans.

Though at some point in the game the front men had been profligate and so, their goals would also pass for redemption of their wastefulness.

It was a high tempo game with the thrills, not atypical of African football and Eagles Coach Salisu Yusuf would be delighted by his players response.

The result thus see the Eagles progress to the last four, where they will face Sudan on 31 January at the Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech.

Sudan booked their semi-final spot following a narrow 1-0 win against Zambia.