Nigeria’s Super Eagles were defeated by Equatorial Guinea in their opening match of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
On Sunday, Victor Osimhen‘s first-half header helped the team salvage a 1-1 tie at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan.
Preparations for the competition in Nigeria were marked by debates over the team’s goalkeeping situation.
Despite Coach Jose Peseiro’s preference for Francis Uzoho, fan demand for an alternative led to Uzoho being placed on the bench.
In the competitive debut, Stanley Nwabali started as the goalkeeper.
William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi also made their first competitive starts since 2022, forming the defensive line with Zaidu Sanusi and Ola Aina on flanks.
Debutant Alhassan Yusuf joined Frank Onyeka in a double pivot behind Alex Iwobi, while the attacking trio comprised Victor Osimhen, Lookman Ademola, and Moses Simon.
Despite entering the competition with a recent string of poor performances, the Eagles displayed a determined effort to overcome inconsistency from the game’s outset.
Early on, Iwobi tested Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper, Jess Owono, but the alert shot stopper denied the half-volley.
Osimhen and Sanusi had subsequent chances, but Equatorial Guinea surprised Nigeria by taking the lead in the 36th minute through Iván Salvador.
Nevertheless, the Eagles swiftly responded as Osimhen headed home Lookman’s cross.
Nigeria came close to taking the lead before halftime, but Simon’s shot was deflected off the crossbar by Owono.
In the second half, Owono continued his impressive saves, denying Sanusi and Osimhen.
Despite numerous missed opportunities, the Super Eagles were unable to break the Equatoguinean defense as they dug in for a crucial draw.
Nigeria will face Ivory Coast in the second group game on Thursday.
