Nigeria drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A fixture at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Victor Osimhen scored in the 38th minute to cancel out an Ivan Salvador goal two minutes earlier.
The result placed the Super Eagles in the group’s third position after one round of matches by all four teams.
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The Super Eagles are always expected to challenge for continental glory, given the depth of talent at their disposal, but they stumbled out of the blocks against quarter-finalists from two years ago. Osimhen looked lively from the off, with a wild strike lashed off target in the opening exchanges.
Zaidu Sanusi fired wide of a gaping net in the 10th minute, before Osimhen glanced a floated cross from Ola Aina past the post. Equatorial Guinea then took the lead against the run of play in the 36th minute, with the ball squared for Iban Salvador to stroke left-footed into the bottom corner from 13 yards out.
Nigeria levelled less than two minutes later, with Ademola Lookman hanging up a delivery for Napoli frontman Osimhen to nod home from close range. He spurned another decent opportunity early in the second 45 as Jose Peseiro’s side briefly mislaid their shooting boots and frustration began to set in.
Aina forced a smart save from the feet of Jesus Owono as the Super Eagles pushed for a winner, with their passionate supporters forever in fine voice, while Osimhen was left head in hands after rolling a golden chance wide of the upright with 14 minutes remaining – having cleverly beaten the offside trap.
