2023 AFCON: Three hits and three flops from Super Eagles 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea

The Super Eagles had a disappointing shift at the office today, with manager Jose Peseiro patrolling the sidelines in emotional unrest.

 

Nigeria dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea. While several attacking threats floundered, the defense offered hope for Peseiro's rebuild.

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at the three hits and three flops from the game.

 

Hits
 

Ademola Lookman: The Atalanta man was an absolute thorn in the flesh of the Nzalang Nacional's defence lobbing in crosses to create scoring chances for his Serie A counterpart Victor Osimhen whom he eventually set up for the equaliser.

 

Lookman always seemed to get on the end of ambitious balls showing willingness and shear zeal going forward for the three-time African champions.

 

Alhassan Yusuf : Making his competitive international debut, the Royal Antwerp midfielder brought a fearless presence to the central midfield.

 

Despite early nerves, Yusuf grew into the game making crucial clearances and blocks. Although aerially deficient, the 23-year-old is an absolute workhorse.

 

Yusuf passed his audition as a fantastic replacement for the injured Wilfred Ndidi and fans can only pray for his fitness after being stretched midway through the second half, due to a discomfort in his thigh.

 

William Troost-Ekong: Deployed as the sweeper in central defense, The stand-in captain patrolled defensive space expertly in front of the goalie.

 

His positioning and understanding of defensive duties allowed Ajayi his colleague freedom to defend. In possession, Iwobi recycled calmly though lacked outlets going forward.

 

Flops  

 

Victor Osimhen: Despite getting the equaliser and restoring parity , Osimhen lacked the cutting edge to finish off moves.

 

After wasting Nigeria's best first half chance skewing wide, Osimhen also missed the target remarkably in a one-on-one situation after the break, succumbing to the bravery of Owono in goal for Equatorial Guinea.

 

Bewildered by the scorching weather conditions, his confidence looks drained.  

 

Moses Simon: Normally so sharp in one versus one situations, Moses Simon's pace and trickery rarely troubled Equatorial Guinea.

 

Forced to drop deeper to receive than accustomed, Simon lost valuable yards to attack from. Though still lively, his off night denied Nigeria a sense of width and penetration down that left flank.

 

Zaidu Sanusi : The occasion appeared too much for the FC Porto man at left-back. Out of his depth physically while lacking finesse in possession, Sanusi was always found wanting in defense leaving wide spaces behind for Emilio Nsue to get something out of.

 

 

Ejim Kaycee

 

 

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