**Pre-Match - Abuja National Stadium**
The stadium trembled under the weight of 60,000 roaring fans as Ibukun stepped onto the pitch for warmups. The scent of suya smoke mixed with sweat in the thick evening air. Cameroon's players eyed the new European star - their gazes carrying the unspoken challenge of African football: prove you belong here.
**First Half - The Battle Begins (0'-15')**
**3rd Minute:** Cameroon's early pressure forced a turnover. Toko Ekambi drove down the left flank, his low cross skimming the wet grass. Nigerian keeper Uzoho spilled the routine collection, but William Troost-Ekong cleared the danger with a desperate lunge.
**7th Minute:** First real Nigerian attack. Iwobi received the ball in midfield, drawing three defenders before slipping a pass to Ibukun. His first touch (85% mastery) killed the ball dead, but Anguissa's crunching tackle sent him sprawling. The referee waved play on.
**12th Minute: GOAL NIGERIA 1-0**
Chukwueze's initial cross was overhit, drifting toward the corner flag. Ibukun chased what looked like a lost cause, stretching to hook the ball back across the six-yard box. The unexpected delivery found Osimhen unmarked - the Napoli striker's powerful header gave the keeper no chance.
*Celebration Breakdown:*
- Osimhen's attempted backflip nearly ended in disaster (one shaky landing)
- Ibukun found himself at the bottom of a jumping, singing pile of teammates
- The stadium DJ blasted "Let There Be Light" as the stands erupted in synchronized dancing
**Mid-Half Adjustments (15'-35')**
Cameroon responded physically. Zambo Anguissa became Ibukun's shadow, the Marseille midfielder using every veteran trick:
- 18th minute: Subtle shirt pull that went unpunished
- 23rd minute: "Accidental" elbow during an aerial duel
- 27th minute: Verbal taunts in French about "soft European players"
Ibukun's adaptation:
- Began dropping deeper to receive the ball
- Used quick one-touch passes to avoid Anguissa's pressure
- 33rd minute: Deliberate shoulder check that sent Anguissa sprawling, earning an approving nod from Ekong
**35th Minute: Cameroon Chance**
Against the run of play, Choupo-Moting found space between Nigeria's center-backs. His curling shot beat Uzoho but rattled the crossbar. The rebound fell to Ekambi whose point-blank volley was miraculously blocked by Bassey's face.
**Halftime - Nigeria 1-0 Cameroon**
The locker room buzzed with energy. Coach Peseiro's tactical board showed:
- Exploit the space behind Cameroon's attacking fullbacks
- More quick combinations between Iwobi and Ibukun
- Watch for Anguissa's late runs into the box
**Second Half - The War Continues (45'-75')**
**53rd Minute: Nigerian Pressure**
A beautiful sequence:
1. Ndidi intercepted a pass in midfield
2. Quick exchange between Iwobi and Ibukun (three one-touch passes)
3. Osimhen's clever dummy let the ball run to Chukwueze
4. The winger's shot forced a spectacular save from Onana
**61st Minute: CAMEROON EQUALIZE 1-1**
Against the run of play:
- Nigerian defense failed to clear a routine cross
- Uzoho's weak punch fell to Choupo-Moting
- The Bayern striker's clinical finish sent the away fans into raptures
*Turning Point:*
Ibukun noticed Cameroon's left-back (Tolo) was cramping. He immediately began drifting to that flank, whispering to Iwobi about exploiting the space.
**The Deciding Moments (75'-90')**
**78th Minute: Nigerian Response**
Relentless pressure finally told:
- Iwobi's clever turn left Anguissa stranded
- His through ball found Ibukun's perfectly timed run
- The shot beat Onana but cannoned off the post
- Osimhen's follow-up was cleared off the line
**83rd Minute: Tactical Change**
Peseiro brought on Lookman for Chukwueze. The fresh legs immediately caused problems:
- 85th minute: Lookman's cross just missed Osimhen's outstretched boot
- 87th minute: His cutback found Iwobi, whose shot was blocked
**89th Minute: GOAL NIGERIA 2-1**
Free kick awarded after Ibukun was fouled 25 yards out. Osimhen and Iwobi argued over who would take it until Ibukun calmly placed the ball.
*The Strike:*
- Three step run-up
- Perfect connection - the ball knuckled over the wall
- Dipped violently at the last second
- Onana got fingertips to it but couldn't keep it out
*Aftermath:*
- Teammates mobbed Ibukun near the corner flag
- A pitch invader stole his left boot before security intervened
- Cameroon's frustrated keeper kicked the post and injured himself
**Final Whistle - Nigeria 2-1 Cameroon**
The stadium erupted as players collapsed in exhaustion. Key moments that won it:
- **Ibukun's** 1 assist, 3 key passes, 89% pass accuracy
- **Osimhen's** constant threat (6 shots, 3 on target)
- **Ekong's** defensive masterclass (8 clearances, 3 blocks)
**Post-Match:**
In the locker room, Osimhen tossed Ibukun a cold bottle of Malta Guinness. "You European boys can play after all," he joked, rubbing the rookie's head.
As Ibukun walked to the team bus, a group of kids chanted his name. One held up a handmade sign: "Welcome Home."
The System's notification was simple:
**>> MISSION COMPLETE
>> LP EARNED: +4,500
>> NEW OBJECTIVE: MAINTAIN FORM <<**
No conspiracy. No hidden threats. Just pure football joy - exactly as it should be.