Osimhen nets as Nigeria fail to fly over E/Guinea in AFCON opener
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Nigeria featured African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen in attack, with Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman supporting on the flanks. For Equatorial Guinea, captain Emilio Nsue led the line while Iban Salvador and Jannick Buyla were on the wings.
Both sides started the game with a point to prove as chances were created at both ends early on. However, three-time African champions Nigeria were caught by surprise.
Equatorial Guinea winger Salvador opened the scoring with a brilliant strike to stun the Nigerians in the 36th minute, through an assist by Jose Machin.
Equatorial Guinea winger Iban Salvador (6) celebrates goal against Nigeria with teammates.
The Super Eagles were determined to fight its way back into the match and they were rewarded two minutes later after a brilliant piece of play.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen celebrates goal with teammates.
A lovely header by top striker Osimhen was enough to beat Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono to level for Nigeria. Africa’s top forward continues his brilliant goalscoring form in the 2023 AFCON tournament.
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In the second half, Nigeria looked to go ahead but were met by the resilient defence of Equatorial Guinea on each occasion.
However, both sides could not find the net in the second half as the match finished 1-1.
Nigeria showed a few flashes of brilliance but didn’t look formidable in the encounter, while Equatorial Guinea will be happy with a terrific result and defensive effort.
Hosts Cote d’Ivoire tops Group A with three (3) points, with Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea recording one (1) point. Guinea-Bissau have none.