Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their campaign at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire on a shakky note as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Sunday.
Zaidu Sanusi should have put the Super Eagles in front of the tenth minute, but his first-time shot from the left with the goal open went wide and high.
Nigeria, despite parading the reigning Africa’s best footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen, and dominated the first half of the encounter, it was Equatorial Guinea that drew first blood in the 36th minute when Iban Salvador scored a well-placed shot. But, instant response from the Eagles saw Osimhen headed an equalising goal for Nigeria before the break.
The Injury-hit Eagles, however, created many chances after the break, but failed to get the winning goal.
Coach Jose Peseiro-led squad will face tough challenge when they lock horns with hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday for their second Group A game at the same venue.
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