Wasteful Nigeria fail to beat Equatorial Guinea in 2023 AFCON opening group game
Nigeria played a 1-1 draw vs Equatorial Guinea in their opening group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cote d’Ivoire. SportstRation reports.
The match was played at the Alassana Oauttara Stadium In Abidjan on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
Nigeria dominated the opening exchanges and should have been two-goals up inside ten minutes.
Alex Iwobi drew a save from Owono with the first shot of the game inside the opening minute, while Victor Osimhen fired over the crossbar when passing to a teammate looked like the best option before Zaidu Sanusi missed a glorious chance when he failed to stab home a cross from Alhassan Yusuf with the goal at his mercy.
Equatorial Guinea grew into the contest and took the lead in the 36th minute when Ivan Salvador fired past a stranded Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabili.
Nigeria responded immediately as Ademola Lookman found reigning CAF player of the year Victor Osimhen to head home an equalizer and force a 1-1 draw at half-time.
The Super Eagles returned for the second half like a house on fire and carved out chance after chance but failed to hit the target early in the half.
Zaidu Sanusi, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen missed great goal-scoring opportunities with Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Owono effective to keep the Eagles at bay.
Victor Osimhen missed another great opportunity to give Nigeria maximum points when played through on goal, firing wide with only goalkeeper Owono to beat.
The match ended Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea, both teams taking a point apiece for their efforts in the game.
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono was named Man of the Match after an outstanding performance to secure his sides 12-game without defeat.
With the result, Cote d’Ivoire lead group A following their 2-0 opening day win over Guinea Bissau.
Nigeria’s campaign will continue when they face Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, January, 18, 2024. same day Equatorial Guinea battle Guinea Bissau in group A.
