An immediate response from African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen ensured that the Super Eagles of Nigeria clinch a point in their opening game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea, against the run of play, scored against the three-time champions at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara D’Ebimpé on Sunday, January 14.
It was the second Group A game and, indeed, the second match at the 34th edition of the AFCON.
Iban Salvador opened the score in the 36th minute after he hit the back of the net inside the Super Eagles’ penalty area.
But Napoli marksman immediately restored parity when he connected to an Ola Aina cross with a header.
There were many chances that came the way of the Super Eagles but none were successfully converted.
The game ended 1-1.
Nigeria will face hosts Ivory Coast in their next game on Thursday, January 18 while Equatorial Guinea face Guinea-Bissau.
With today’s results, the Elephants of La Côte d’Ivoire top the group – on 3 points -with Equatorial Guinea second, the same point as Nigeria, while Guinea-Bissau languish bottom after the opening-day loss.
The stage is set for Group B’s matches involving Egypt and Mozambique, in the first game, and Ghana and Cape Verde in the second game of the day.
