2023 AFCON: Nigeria v Equatorial Guinea report

Sunday Jan 14, 2024. 18:58

Day two of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations saw Nigeria held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their Group A opener at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

Date: 14 January 2024

Nigeria (1) 1 (Osimhen 38′)

Equatorial Guinea (1) 1 (Salvador 36′)

Nigeria: S. Nwabali, O. Aina (B. Osayi-Samuel 83′), S. Ajayi, W. Troost-Ekong, Z. Sanusi (C. Bassey 83′), A. Iwobi, F. Onyeka, A. Yusuf (J. Aribo 69′), M. Simon (S. Chukwueze 69′), V. Osimhen, A. Lookman.

Equatorial Guinea: J. Owono, C. Akapo, E. Orozco, S. Coco, B. Ndong, P. Ganet (A. Balboa 74′), F. Bikoro, J. Buyla (J. Nabil 75′), J. Machin (S. Eneme 86′), I. Salvador (L. Asue 90+3′), E. Nsue.

First 45′: The Super Eagles bossed proceedings in the first half and created a handful of chances before the National Thunder opening the scoring against the run of play in the 36th minute when Iban Salvador fired past Stanley Nwabali from inside the box. Jose Peseiro’s side hit back almost instantly, however, as Victor Osimhen beat Jesus Owono with a header at close range from Ademola Lookman’s cross.

Second 45′: Jose Peseiro’s side continued to push for more goals in the second half and Owono had to be at his best to deny Zaidu Sanusi, Osimhen and Aina before the hour mark. Osimhen then squandered a golden opportunity to put the West Africans ahead with 14 minutes left on the clock when he fired wide after being sent through on goal by Iwobi. Equatorial Guinea survived a late spell of pressure to claim a precious point.

What the result means: Nigeria trail Group A leaders Ivory Coast by two points in third place after the Elephants beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 the previous day, with Equatorial Guinea occupying second spot after their opening round of matches.

What’s next: The Super Eagles will take on Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Thursday, January 18, while the National Thunder lock horns with the Djurtus at the same venue earlier in the day.