Nigeria's captain, William Troost-Ekong, is bracing himself for a challenging quarterfinal encounter against Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Recognizing the strength of the Palancas Negras, Troost-Ekong emphasized the tough battle that lies ahead for the Super Eagles.

After a hard-fought victory over Cameroon in the Round of 16, secured by Ademola Lookman's decisive brace, Nigeria is now preparing to face the resilient Angola side in their pursuit of AFCON glory.

"Preparation for the Angola game is not different. So far in this tournament, Angola looks like a very good team, and I think we have to play our best football to try and beat them," Troost-Ekong stated.

Angola earned their place in the quarterfinals with a dominant performance against Namibia, scoring three unanswered goals, including a sensational curler by Mabululu that ignited excitement on social media.

As the Super Eagles gear up for this crucial clash, Troost-Ekong's acknowledgment of Angola's quality highlights the intense competition in the AFCON tournament.

The standout defender is expected to play a pivotal role in Nigeria's defensive efforts as they aim to secure a spot in the tournament's semifinals.