By Edwin Kule
AFCON 2023: Results
Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea
Nigeria had a false start to the ongoing 2023 AFCON tournament after failing to go past Equatorial Guinea in a 1-1 stalemate at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe.
The Flying Eagles were the better side throughout the game but were not clinical enough to take away the several chances created in front of goal.
Victor Oshimhen had a chance to give Nigeria the lead, but his mid-range effort sailed inches above the frame in the third minute.
Eight minutes later, Sanusi Zaidu missed an absolute sitter after connecting well with a ground pass inside the dangerous area.
Iban Salvador gave Equatorial Guinea the lead in the 36th minute with a great moment of the game. Salvador was set up by Jose Machin in front of the goal before he riffled the ball into the bottom of the net.
In a space of two minutes, Oshimhen levelled matters with a typical striker’s finish. The goal pumped the Flying Eagles, who pushed in search of the lead, but halftime ended square.
Ten minutes into the second stanza, Zaidu was denied by Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Ngua Owono, who pulled off a stunning save to keep his side in the game.
Temitayo Aina whipped in a great cross towards the middle of the goal in search of Oshimhen, but Ngua once again turned up big with a great save.
Nigeria threw all their scoring weapons upfront, but Equatorial Guinea’s backline stood tall and firm to take care of any danger that could come their way.
The one-all stalemate awarded Equatorial Guinea the first ever point against Nigeria on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will have a chance to bounce back as they take on hosts Ivory Coast, while Equatorial Guinea will lock horns with Guinea-Bissau on Thursday.
