The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a tough start to their 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their opening match in Ivory Coast on Sunday.
Equatorial Guinea took the lead in the 37th minute when Iban Salvador unleashed a well-placed shot, leaving Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, motionless. The goal put Nigeria on the back foot, and it marked the only breakthrough of the first half.
However, the Super Eagles responded swiftly, with Victor Osimhen heading in an equalizing goal just before the halftime whistle. Osimhen’s goal provided a much-needed boost for Nigeria, leveling the score and setting the stage for an intriguing second half.
Despite creating numerous chances in the second half, Nigeria was unable to secure the winning goal. In the 75th minute, Osimhen, who scored his first AFCON goal on his tournament debut, missed a significant opportunity that could have tilted the game in Nigeria’s favor.
The 1-1 draw means that Nigeria will now face additional challenges in Group A, where they are set to play against Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau later in the tournament.
