Victor Osimhen Shines As Nigeria Kicks Off AFCON With Draw Against Equatorial Guinea

• Nigeria kicked off their AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea
• Victor Osimhen was on hand to inspire the Super Eagles
• The draw ensured Nigeria are joint second in their AFCON group

The Super Eagles of Nigeria commenced their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a draw against Equatorial Guinea, leaving many with a lack of optimism regarding the team's prospects for the rest of the competition.

The three-time Cup of Nations winner came into the clash as favourites and wasted little time to state their intent, with a flurry of attacks courtesy of the Eagles attack, putting the Nzalang Nacional on high alert.

However, against the run of play, the West African giants would concede the opening goal following a sublime finish from the edge of the box courtesy of a superb finish from Fuenlabrada’s Iban Salvador, who capitalised on a pass from Monza’s Jose Machin.

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Responding swiftly, the Super Eagles levelled the score just two minutes later with an outstanding header from star forward Victor Osimhen, connecting with a cross from Ademola Lookman.

The first half remained evenly balanced until the centre referee signalled for halftime.

The second half would kick off in the manner that the first started, with the Super Eagles dominating. However, the potential game-defining moment that could have secured victory for Nigeria unfolded in the 75th minute, when Africa Footballer of the Year Osimhen failed to convert a finish after being played through on goal by Alex Iwobi.

Jose Peseiro’s side continued to trouble their opponents throughout the night, but goalkeeper Jesus Owono proved difficult to beat, and both teams eventually had to settle for a draw.

The result on the night meant the Super Eagles are without a victory in three consecutive competitive fixtures, according to data courtesy of Fotmob. Equatorial Guinea, on the other hand, maintained their giant-killing reputation at the Cup of Nations.

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Nwabali makes Super Eagles debut

Sports Brief in a previous report highlighted Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro, decided to start Stanley Nwabili in goal ahead of his preferred choice, Francis Uzoho, during the AFCON opener against Equatorial Guinea.

The Chippa United shot-stopper was only making his second appearance for the Nigerian National team.

Though solid overall, the 27-year-old failed to keep a clean sheet as attacker Iban Salvador breached his goal in the 36th minute of the tie.