AFCON 2023: Wasteful Super Eagles Hold Equatorial Guinea

Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on a shaky note, pulling a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea dominated by mostly players from the third and fourth tiers of leagues in Europe. 

Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang Nationale races into the lead through Iban Edu Salvador in the 36th minute. Eagles however restored parity two minutes later through Victor Osimhen. 

On a day that Nigerians looked up to Africa’s best player of the moment, Osimhen, to conjure the magic to lift Super Eagles above the mediocre quality on display, on more than three occasions, the Napoli front man missed one-on-one chances in both halves of the 90 minutes encounter inside the brand new Stade Olympic Alassane Ouattara. 

Several other wasted opportunities by Ola Aina, Alhassan Yusuf and  Moses Simon ensured that Eagles are in disadvantage position going into Thursday’s clash with hosts Cote d’Ivoire. 

The Elephants snatched all three points against Guinea Bissau on Matchday 1 to lead Group A comfortably while both Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have a point each. Guinea Bissau are yet to earn a point. 

More to follow…