Nigeria wasteful In AFCON opener against Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea extended their remarkable unbeaten streak to seven matches across all competitions on Sunday following a spirited 1-1 draw with Nigeria at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations for both teams.

Equatorial Guinea took a surprise lead in the 36th minute through Iván Salvador’s expertly placed strike. However, Nigeria equalised immediately after the restart as 2023 CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, powered in a header from Ademola Lookman’s cross. Both sides pressed relentlessly for a winner in the second half but a combination of brilliant goalkeeping and wayward finishing from Nigeria kept the score level.

The result marks the first time Equatorial Guinea has avoided defeat against the Super Eagles in an international tournament. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s 15-tournament streak of reaching the AFCON knockout rounds hangs in the balance ahead of a tougher Group A tie versus hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday.

Despite controlling possession, Nigeria failed to capitalise on several gilt-edged chances. Veteran defender Zaidu Sanusi somehow missed an open goal in the 11th minute, while second-half efforts from Osimhen and Ola Aina were thwarted by the superb Jesus Owono in the Equatoguinean net.

Ultimately, Osimhen was unable to deliver his country the winning goal in the dying minutes as the Napoli striker skewed wide much to the visible frustration of Nigeria’s coaching staff. Nevertheless, coach Jose Peseiro will be demanding an improved performance against Ivory Coast on Thursday, if they are to keep control of qualifying.