AFCON 2023: Victor Osimhen Misses Open Chance As Super Eagles Held by Equatorial Guinea

• Nigeria have been held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in Group A
• Victor Osimhen missed a glorious chance late in the game for Super Eagles
• The Super Eagles will now face hosts Ivory Coast in the next match

Nigeria faced an unexpected challenge in their first match at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as Victor Osimhen's swift response rescued them from a potential upset against Equatorial Guinea.

Osimhen, the prolific Napoli striker, connected with a superb cross from Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman at the far post, securing an equalizer in the 38th minute.

The goal came just two minutes after Iban Salvador had surprised everyone with a well-taken shot following a precise cutback from Equatorial Guinea's captain, Jose Machin.

Equatorial Guinea, considered the underdogs, managed only one shot on target, Salvador's first-half finish, which briefly hinted at a major upset, as reported by ESPN.

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The match unfolded at the impressive Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Equatorial Guinea's goalkeeper, Jesus Owono, showcased exceptional skills with numerous saves that thwarted the Super Eagles in both halves.

A significant talking point emerged in the 75th minute when Osimhen, capitalizing on a splendid long ball from Alex Iwobi, found himself with only Owono to beat.

However, to the disbelief of fans, Osimhen's finish went off-target, and he was not even in an offside position, as reported by the BBC.

The missed opportunity raised questions about the potential impact on the game's outcome, leaving fans to wonder what could have been had Osimhen converted that crucial chance.

Osimhen initially expressed optimism about the Super Eagles' chances of winning the tournament.

The Super Eagles won the tournament last in 2013. Since then, they have seen disappointments despite boasting among the best squads on the continent.

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The Napoli striker missed the AFCON in 2021 through injury and Covid-19. In that tournament, Nigeria reached the Round of 16 but were eliminated by Tunisia.

Osimhen fires back at Jugeli

Sports Brief reported when Osimhen fired back at Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli. Over a comment about his future.

The Nigerian reportedly had offers from a Saudi Pro League side in the summer but stayed in Napoli and signed a new contract.

Despite the new contract, reports continued to link him with moving away from Italy.