By Nana Kwame Bediako
The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday, 14th January, 2024 were held to a 1:1 draw at the hands of the Nzalang National of Equatorial Guinea in their opening game of the AFCON 2023 at the Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
The two countries began the game in a very competitive manner as they took the game to each other. Nigeria dominated play in the early minutes but were eventually put to test by the unwavering confidence of the Equatorial Guinean side.
Equatorial Guinea with their persistent and aggressiveness in front of goal took the lead in the 34th minute when Iban Salvador scored a spectacular leaving the Nigerian goalkeeper helpless in his goal.
The Super Eagles showed the spirit of fighters as they quickly equalised two minutes after going down when Lookman found the African Player of the year, Victor Osimhen with an accurately executed cross in the 36th minute to put the game at 1:1.
The second half had everything Nigeria written all over it as they dominated the half from the word “go”. Nigeria had all the possession and chances which saw Victor Osimhen miss a big chance as his shot flew wide off goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
Equatorial Guinea upon being the second favourite, managed to keep Nigeria from adding to their tally as they secured a 1:1 draw which earned them their first point in the 2023 AFCON.
