Super Eagles begun the 2023 African Cup of Nations with 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A match at the Alassane Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on Sunday.
Iban Salvador put the Equatorial Guinea ahead by scoring a goal in the 36th minutes of the game.
But the Nigeria’s Victor Osihmen swiftly responded by providing the equalizer at the 38th minutes with Ademola Lookman giving the assist.
This put the game in the balance before the half-hour.
This second half began with an intense performance from both teams but could put the ball at back of the net.
Nigeria went very close to making it 2-1 following a wonderful display and skillful passes involving Lookman and Osimhen.
Napoli’s striker, Osihmen, had many chances but failed to break the very composed Equatorial Guinea’s defence.
Osimhen found FC Nantes winger, Moses Simon, whose shot was, however, parried away by Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper, Jesus Owono, off the base of the goalpost for a corner kick to Nigeria.
The Super Eagles wasted another glorious chance in the 52nd minute after FC Porto left-back, Zaidu Sanusi shot straight at Owono after a lovely through pass from Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi.
Lookman only wasted the rebound immediately after while Osimhen also saw his effort saved by Owono in the 54th minute.
Southampton midfielder, Joe Aribo and AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze replaced Royal Antwerp star, Alhassan Yusuf and Simon respectively in the 68th minute as Nigeria desperately searched for the winning goal.
Osimhen who was left alone with goalkeeper Owono could not dribble past Owono or just put the ball at back of this net in the 75th minute, the Napoli striker sent the ball wrong way.
Nigeria began their campaign in the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF African Cup Nations against Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A match on at the Alassane Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday.
This marks a historic first-ever encounter between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea at the AFCON.
Though they faced each other in the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup – Nigeria won both matches 1-0; 2-0.
This is fourth appearance of the Equatorial Guinea in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations but it’s only the second time they have qualified as non-hosts.
They have so far always reached the knockout stages: quarter-finalists in 2012 and 2021, 4th place in 2015.
Nigeria’s manager, Jose Peseiro, faces tournament pressure after recent draws and a friendly loss.
The team has encountered setbacks with the injury of Victor Boniface and the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Sadiq Umar. Despite this, the squad boasts attacking prowess with stars like Victor Osimhen, Ahmed Musa, and Samuel Chukwueze.
The starting lineup for Nigeria includes Nwabali, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Zaidu, Yusuf, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Simon, and Osimhen. Substitutes feature Uzoho, Olorunleke, Bassey, Awaziem, Bruno, Omeruo, Osayi-Samuel, Onyedika, Aribo, Musa, Chukwueze, Iheanacho, and Onuachu. Injured players are Boniface, Ndidi, Awoniyi, and Sadiq.
Equatorial Guinea’s starting lineup comprises Owono, Ndong, Akapo, Coco, Orozco, Ganet, Bikoro, Machin, Buyla, and Nsue. The substitutes are Ondo, Embela, Balboa, Ela, Senra, Eneme, Sapunga, Nabil, Siafå, Anieboh, and J. Elo.
