In a thrilling start to their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Nigeria showcased resilience as they battled back to secure a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday, January 14.
Equatorial Guinea’s Surprise Lead
Right from the kickoff, the Super Eagles were on the offensive. In the opening minute, Alex Iwobi tested Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper, Jesus Owono, with a powerful strike from range.
Victor Osimhen, later in the 29th minute, had a golden opportunity but steered his header just wide of the left post from Ola Aina’s well-placed cross.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance, Equatorial Guinea took an unexpected lead in the 36th minute. Iban Salvador clinically slotted the ball past Stanley Nwabali from inside the box, capitalizing on a delivery from Jose Machin.
Osimhen’s Quick Response Levels the Score
The joy for Equatorial Guinea was short-lived, though. Just two minutes later, Nigeria struck back through Victor Osimhen. Osimhen expertly headed the ball into the net from Ademola Lookman’s precise cross, restoring parity for the West Africans.
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Near Misses
Moses Simon nearly put Nigeria in the lead just before halftime, but Owono showcased his goalkeeping skills with a sharp save at the near post.
Nigeria continued to create opportunities in the second half, with Zaidu Sanusi and Osimhen testing Owono’s reflexes.
In the 66th minute, Aina failed to beat Owono after Lookman set him up on the right. Osimhen, too, missed a glorious chance ten minutes later, shooting wide from inside the box after a perfectly pass from Iwobi.
A Shared Point and Future Matches
Despite the missed chances, Nigeria managed to secure a valuable one(1) point. Up next, they will face host country Cote d’Ivoire on January 18, while Equatorial Guinea will take on Guinea-Bissau in their quest for victories.
Line-ups and Goalscorers:
Nigeria (1) (Goal by Osimhen 38 minute’)
- S. Nwabali, O. Aina (B. Osayi-Samuel 83′), S. Ajayi, W. Troost-Ekong, Z. Sanusi (C. Bassey 83′), A. Iwobi, F. Onyeka, A. Yusuf (J. Aribo 69′), M. Simon (S. Chukwueze 69′), V. Osimhen, A. Lookman.
Equatorial Guinea (1) (Goal by Salvador 36 minute’)
- J. Owono, C. Akapo, E. Orozco, S. Coco, B. Ndong, P. Ganet (A. Balboa 74′), F. Bikoro, J. Buyla (J. Nabil 75′), J. Machin (S. Eneme 86′), I. Salvador (L. Asue 90+3′), E. Nsue.
AFCON 2023 Group A Table
In conclusion, Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the AFCON 2023 opener showcased their resilience. Despite conceding early, the Super Eagles, led by Victor Osimhen’s equalizer, demonstrated determination and attacking skills.
With missed opportunities and a precious point secured, Nigeria heads into upcoming matches with optimism and lessons learned.
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