Nigeria started their Africa Cup of Nations group campaign with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday afternoon.
Africa Cup of Nations
Result: Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea
Date: 14 January 2024
Venue: Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara
Nigeria had reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen leading the front line alongside Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, as Kelechi Iheanacho was only fit enough to make the bench and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali got a start.
In so far as South Africa is concerned, referee Abongile Tom also officiated the game.
The Super Eagles had a bright start as Zaidu Sanusi latched onto a pass unmarked at the back post but his connection let him down, as his effort looped away from goal.
Equatorial Guinea grew in the game, as they threatened Nigeria on their attacks and Iban Salvador eventually broke the deadlock for Nzalang Nacional ten minutes before the break with a low strike clever strike in the box that caught Nwabali flat-footed.
However, EQG's lead was short-lived, as Osimhen quickly equalised for Nigeria two minutes later with a free header at the back post from a lofted cross.
The game was open in the early exchanges of the second stanza and the Super Eagles were threatening, with Juan Micha's charges playing a high line but they were not taking their chances.
Jose Peseiro eventually made an attacking change with 21 minutes remaining, as Samuel Chukwueze replaced Simon for fresh legs.
Nigeria continued to have chances and in the dying minutes Osimhen should have put the Super Eagles ahead after beating the offside trap to go one-on-one with goalkeeper Jesus Owono but he fired his shot wide.
The game was still there for the taking in stoppage time, as the Super Eagles were desperate for the winner but they were not precise in the last third and the sides settled for a point apiece in Group A.
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