Nigeria began their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe on Sunday afternoon.
The Super Eagles are gunning for a fourth AFCON title and a first since 2013 and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the notable change made in Jose Peseiro’s XI after getting the nod to start ahead of Francis Uzoho.
Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi had the first golden opportunity of the game in the 11th minute but he missed a sitter and reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen put the ball into the net 10 minutes later but he was ruled out for offside.
Jose Peseiro’s men failed to be clinical in front of goal and they paid dearly when Equatorial Guinea took the lead in the 36th minute through Iban Salvador’s well-placed shot. Interestingly, Nigeria were able to respond instantly with Osimhen heading in Ademola Lookman’s cross.
Nantes winger Moses Simon could have made it 2-1 to the Super Eagles in added time of the first half but his effort was saved by Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono who later claimed the Man of the Match award.
There were chances for Osimhen and Aina to score in the second half but Owono was equal to the task of saving their efforts. Nigeria were also unfortunate to lose to Alhassan Yusuf to injury in the 69th minute when he was taken off a stretcher and replaced by Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo.
Belgium-based Yusuf was a replacement for Wilfred Ndidi who withdrew from the squad due to injury.
Victor Osimhen’s strike saves the day for the eagles as both side ended the thrilling match with a point each⚽ #Afrosport #AFCON2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCON #SuperEagles #Osimhen pic.twitter.com/G7qVm0WHD0
— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) January 14, 2024
The Super Eagles pushed hard for the winner in added time and had a scuffle in the box with multiple players attempting to find the back of the net but all of it came to naught.
Nigeria will now be looking for their first win when they face hosts Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Thursday, January 18.
