Nigeria’s highly anticipated campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 did not start well. The Super Eagles were held 1-1 by Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, hosted in Ivory Coast.
In the 37th minute, Stanley Nwabali’s Super Eagles goalkeeper was left rooted on the spot after Iban Salvador of Equatorial Guinea delivered a pinpoint strike. Victor Osimhen scored an equalizing goal before the halftime whistle.
Super Eagles supporters in Abidjan were left wanting for a more impressive performance at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe. Nigeria’s lack of aggression in their attack, coupled with some missed chances, including from their star striker Victor Osimhen has resulted in only one win in six matches across different competitions.
Osimhen scored his first AFCON goal but missed a crucial opportunity in the 75th minutes, highlighting the importance of clinical finishing for the next matches. Equatorial Guinea had drawn 1-1 with Djibouti during a friendly match before the tournament.
Ivan Salvador, of Equatorial Guinea, opened the scoring in the 36th minute. He displayed composure and finished at the edge the box after Osimhen missed a chance.
Osimhen wasted the opportunity in the second half, when he raced onto Alex Iwobi’s through ball and sailed his finish wide. Osimhen is crucial to Nigeria’s chances of winning the tournament as they prepare for their match against the hosts.
Despite their initial defeat, the Super Eagles are still among the favorites for the AFCON crown in 2024. The Super Eagles’ upcoming matches against Ivory Coast in Group A and Guinea Bissau provide an opportunity for redemption and progress in the tournament. The fans are eager to see how the team will regroup after a difficult start to their AFCON journey 2023.