The Super Eagles failed to beat Equatorial Guinea in a tough start to their AFCON campaign.
Equatorial Guinea held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations game on Sunday. Victor Osimhen’s goal only rescued a point for the Super Eagles in their AFCON opener.
What happened?
Nigeria struggled to find their feet in the game early on while Equatorial Guinea looked for counter-attacking chances. The underdogs surprised Nigeria with an opener when Pepin’s short pass inside the box was smashed into the lower corner of the net by Ivan Salvador.
It took Nigeria only two minutes to respond as they found a quick equalizer through Osimhen. A precise cross from Ademola Lookman was headed past Jesus Owono to make it 1-1.
Nigeria took control of the game after the break as they pushed to complete their comeback. However, their efforts were not enough to edge out Equatorial Guinea, who maintained their defensive integrity until the final whistle.
Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea: Man of the Match
Owono deserves the Man of the Match title for an incredible display against Nigeria. The Guinean goalkeeper made six saves to secure a crucial point for his side in their AFCON opener.
Player Ratings
Nigeria: Nwabili (5), Troost-Ekong (6), Ajayi (7), Sanusi (5), Aina (6), Yusuf (7), Onyeka (7), Iwobi (6), Simon (6), Lookman (7), Osimhen (6).
Bench: Aribo (6), Chukwueze (6), Bassey (6), Osayi-Samuel (7), Onuachu (-).
Equatorial Guinea: Owono (8), Akapo (6), Obiang (6), Coco (7), Ndong (5), Ganet (7), Bikoro (7), Machin (6), Buyla (6), Salvador (7), Nsue (6).
Bench: Balboa (5), Adjugu (6), Eneme (5), Asue (-).
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