'He's good with his feet' -  Daniel Akpeyi admits he admires MotM Nigeria v Equatorial Guinea, Owono

Deportivo Alavés star Jesús Owono lived up to his billing as one of the top young African goalkeepers with an outstanding display during Equatorial Guinea's 1-1 draw with Nigeria in both countries 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opener on Sunday afternoon.

The Nzalang Nacional broke the deadlock in the 36th minute through Ivan Salvador whose well-placed shot beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili, but Nigeria got a quick response as Victor Osimhen leveled matters with a header after an excellent delivery from Ademola Lookman. 

That was the last time Owono would take the ball out of his own net as he made a string of brilliant saves to deny Nigeria from getting the winning goal - a performance that earned him the official Man of the Match accolade. 

Owono, with a little touch saved a goalbound shot from Moses Simon in first half stoppage time, easily gathered a tame effort from Alhassan Yusuf in the 52nd minute  blocked Zaidu's efforts with his feet in the 54th minute, before making two good stops to deny Osimhen and Ola Aina.

Akpeyi, who was on punditry duties for South African broadcaster SuperSport, spoke in glowing terms about the shot-stopping abilities of the talented Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper. 

"The coach of Equatorial Guinea was actually right when he said he believes in the goalkeeper and is a modern day goalkeeper, and he has proved that he's good with his feet. He can use his hands as well," Akpeyi remarked. 

"He has done most of his distribution in the game to his players in every corner in this game today which I actually admire him and he deserved the Man of the Match, puling out save after save in this game."
 

After the opening round of matches in Group A of the 2023 AFCON, Nigeria are two points behind table toppers Ivory Coast, whom they meet on Thursday, January 18.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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