2023 AFCON Nigeria 1 Equatorial Guinea 1: Osimhen's header salvages a point for Super Eagles 

The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their first match in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations which was played on Sunday afternoon at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé

As early as the 15th second, Alex Iwobi registered the Super Eagles' first shot on target with a long-range effort but was calmly saved by Jesus Owono.

In the 5th minute, Victor Osimhen was presented with a gift from Owono's misplaced pass but the Napoli star couldn't maximize the opportunity.

In the 11th minute, Zaidu Sanusi missed a glorious opportunity at the far post to give Nigeria the lead from Alhassan Yusuf's cross.

Osimhen was presented with another chance in the 28th minute but couldn't direct his header towards the goal.

The Super Eagles were made to pay for their profligacy as Equatorial Guinea took the lead through Iban Salvador's well-placed shot in the 36th minute.

Nigeria quickly reacted two minutes later, courtesy of Osimhen's header having been assisted by Ademola Lookman.

Moses Simon came close to giving the West Africans the lead but was denied by a good save from the goalkeeper to ensure the first half ended on level terms.

Nigeria started the second half the way they ended with the first but couldn't make it count.

The first big opportunity came through a counterattack but a judgment in error from Sanusi ensured the scoreline remained unchanged.

Ola Aina took matters unto himself in the 68th minute when he made a solo run before producing a low shot but was thwarted by the goalkeeper.

José Peseiro was forced to make his first change in the 69th minute after Alhasaan Yusuf picked up an injury and was replaced by Joe Aribo.

In the 75th minute, Osimhen was played through on goal by Iwobi but the Napoli star surprisingly dragged his effort wide.

Right before the end of the game, a cross was put into the penalty area but nobody could connect with the ball, and the resulting action couldn't change the scoreline.

Nigeria have now made their task of qualifying for the next round herculean as they have to avoid a defeat against Ivory Coast on Thursday to avoid going into the last game with huge pressure and waiting for results elsewhere to go their way.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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