AFCON 2023: Nigerians Blast Super Eagles Players As Nigeria Struggle to Get Past Equatorial Guinea

• Nigeria failed to win their first game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast
• The Super Eagles drew 1-1 against the National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea
• Nigerians criticised the players on social media due to their poor performance

The Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to begin their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a good note, as they could not get past Equatorial Guinea.

The three-time champions played out a 1-1 draw against the National Thunder at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Equatorial Guinea took the lead through Iban Salvador in the 36th minute but could not hold on to the lead for long as Victor Osimhen restored parity two minutes later.

The match between the Super Eagles and the National Thunder stirred different reactions from Nigerians on social media.

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@UnitedShegzy said:

"This Super Eagles of Nigeria team is not good enough. How can you not win Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶 in AFCON group stage. If you expect this team to win the AFCON you’re just a dreamer"

@iamunwanaudoh said:

"As a Manchester United fan, we are already used to heartbreak. We are immune to whatever the super eagles want to play #NGAEQG. I just wish Victor osimhen had buried the one on one chance."

@Theorriginal said:

"The reason why this game is paining me is #NGAEQG we can't be certain we'd win any of our next games🤦‍♂️Victor Osihmen missing two huge chances is just ridiculous."

@JerryNwafor2 said:

"I won't be surprised if naija don't make it past the group stage, any stage they manage to get to let them come back #NGAEQG"

@_Capello said:

"Watching this present crop of Eagles is a total waste of time; no energy, no rhythm, no entertainment. They are all bunch of average footballers #AFCON2023 #NGAEQG"

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Nigeria will face the host nation, Ivory Coast, in their second game of the competition on Thursday, January 18.

Nwabali makes AFCON debut against Equatorial Guinea

Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigeria national team head coach Jose Peseiro opted to start Stanley Nwabili in goal ahead of his preferred choice, Francis Uzoho, during their AFCON 2023 opener against Equatorial Guinea.

The 27-year-old shot-stopper was only making his second appearance for the Nigerian National team.

Though solid overall, he failed to keep a clean sheet as attacker Iban Salvador breached his goal in the 36th minute of the tie.