Nigeria have settled for a draw with the Elephants of Equatorial Guinea in 2023 AFCON opener.
It was largely an underwhelming performance by the Super Eagles as they struggled to establish their presence in the game. Equatorial Guinea gave a good account of themselves, dominating proceedings but failed to register an early breakthrough in Nigeria's final third.
After a drab and dragging start with no promising offensives, Equatorial Guinea made their early dominance count with Iban Salvador's brilliant strike from close range.
Exploiting the loophole in the Super Eagles' defense, the Elephants easily broke through and fired themselves into the lead.
Two minutes after Salvador's goal, the Super Eagles mounted a formidable response. Proceeding on a quick counter, Ademola Lookman picked an unmarked Victor Osimhen inside the box with a cross. The Napoli sensation wasted no time easily heading home the equaliser.
It ended 1-1 at the break with both sides unable to find the back of the net again after the quick double. The second half continued with an equally lackluster pace as the first. There were no good chances created. Equatorial Guinea still had commanding control of proceedings but could not penetrate the Super Eagles' defense.
After the hour mark, the Super Eagles were dealt a blow as Alhassan Yusuf was stretchered off with an apparent hamstring injury. Jose Peseiro brought on Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze to spice up the attack after Alhassan's injury but it was still a deadlock near Equatorial Guinea's half.
The Super Eagles' only clear chance came when Osimhen picked a through-ball and came one-on-one with Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper but ended up firing off target.
The Elephants also did little to add to the tally despite maintaining a dominant possession of the ball. Both sides ran out of clearcut chances and settled for a dramatic 1-1 draw after the final whistle.
The Super Eagles will take on tournament hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday, January 18 while Equatorial Guinea trade tackles with Guinea-Bissau in their next game.
Video Highlights
It was largely an underwhelming performance by the Super Eagles as they struggled to establish their presence in the game. Equatorial Guinea gave a good account of themselves, dominating proceedings but failed to register an early breakthrough in Nigeria's final third.
After a drab and dragging start with no promising offensives, Equatorial Guinea made their early dominance count with Iban Salvador's brilliant strike from close range.
Exploiting the loophole in the Super Eagles' defense, the Elephants easily broke through and fired themselves into the lead.
Two minutes after Salvador's goal, the Super Eagles mounted a formidable response. Proceeding on a quick counter, Ademola Lookman picked an unmarked Victor Osimhen inside the box with a cross. The Napoli sensation wasted no time easily heading home the equaliser.
It ended 1-1 at the break with both sides unable to find the back of the net again after the quick double. The second half continued with an equally lackluster pace as the first. There were no good chances created. Equatorial Guinea still had commanding control of proceedings but could not penetrate the Super Eagles' defense.
After the hour mark, the Super Eagles were dealt a blow as Alhassan Yusuf was stretchered off with an apparent hamstring injury. Jose Peseiro brought on Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze to spice up the attack after Alhassan's injury but it was still a deadlock near Equatorial Guinea's half.
The Super Eagles' only clear chance came when Osimhen picked a through-ball and came one-on-one with Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper but ended up firing off target.
The Elephants also did little to add to the tally despite maintaining a dominant possession of the ball. Both sides ran out of clearcut chances and settled for a dramatic 1-1 draw after the final whistle.
The Super Eagles will take on tournament hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday, January 18 while Equatorial Guinea trade tackles with Guinea-Bissau in their next game.
Video Highlights