By Ken Afor
Super Eagles’ first match in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ended in a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Sunday afternoon.
Alex Iwobi had an early attempt on target in the 15th second, but his long-range shot was saved by Jesus Owono.
In the 5th minute, Victor Osimhen had an opportunity from Owono’s misplaced pass, but he couldn’t capitalize on it.
Zaidu Sanusi also missed a great chance in the 11th minute to give Nigeria the lead. Osimhen had another opportunity in the 28th minute, but he couldn’t find the target with his header.
Equatorial Guinea capitalized on the Super Eagles’ wastefulness as Iban Salvador’s well-placed shot in the 36th minute gave them the lead.
Just two minutes later, Nigeria swiftly responded with Osimhen’s header, assisted by Ademola Lookman.
Moses Simon came close to putting the West Africans in front, but the goalkeeper’s impressive save ensured the first half ended with the score level.
Nigeria carried their momentum into the second half but failed to convert their chances.
A promising counterattack presented the first significant opportunity, but an unfortunate mistake from Sanusi meant the scoreline remained unaltered.
In the 68th minute, Ola Aina took matters into his own hands by embarking on a solo run and unleashing a low shot, only to be denied by the goalkeeper.
Following Alhasaan Yusuf’s injury in the 69th minute, José Peseiro was compelled to make his first substitution, bringing on Joe Aribo as a replacement.
In the 75th minute, Iwobi played a pass to Osimhen, who had a clear opportunity to score, but surprisingly, the talented Napoli striker dragged his shot wide.
Just before the final whistle, a cross was delivered into the penalty area, but unfortunately, no one was able to make contact with the ball, resulting in no change to the scoreline.
Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the next round have now become extremely challenging, as they must avoid defeat against Ivory Coast on Thursday. Failure to do so would mean entering the final game under immense pressure and relying on other results to go their way.
Victor Osimhen scored but couldn’t lift Nigeria to a winning start in the Africa Cup of Nations as the “Super Eagles” were held 1-1 by Equatorial Guinea in their opening game on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Jesús Owono produced a string of saves to frustrate three-time champion Nigeria in the second half after Osimhen had equalized in the first.
Nigeria dominated from the start only to be caught out in the 36th minute when José Machín set up Iban Salvador to fire Equatorial Guinea ahead.
Osimhen replied around a minute later when Ademola Lookman’s deflected cross dropped kindly for him to head in at the far post.
Nigeria struck the post through Moses Simon but was unable to get any more goals despite intense pressure, with Owono in inspired form.
The result leaves coach José Peseiro’s team under pressure going into Thursday’s Group A game against host nation Ivory Coast, which started the tournament Saturday with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau.
Peseiro surprised many by dropping AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey to the bench in favor of Nantes forward Simon and PAOK’s William Troost-Ekong at the back.
Osimhen scored 10 of the team’s 22 goals in qualifying for the tournament, five more than any other player.
Nigeria is going for its fourth title after its last win in 2013. Nigeria lost the final the last time the competition was staged in Ivory Coast in 1984.
Equatorial Guinea is making just its fourth appearance, and only the second after having to qualify as a non-host.
Mohamed Salah’s bid to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth title will start later Sunday against Mozambique. Also in Group B, the “Black Stars” of Ghana begin their bid for a first title since 1982 against Cape Verde. NB: culled from apnews.com/
