AFCON 2023: How Equatorial Guinea Contained Victor Osimhen and Nigeria

• Equatorial Guinea have made a great start to their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• The Nzalang Nacional held favourites Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Abidjan, Ivory Coast
• Their goalkeeper, Manuel Sapunga, disclosed what their plan was for a massive game

Equatorial Guinea went to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with high expectations and lived up to it in their first game.

They drew 1-1 against one of the tournament favourites, Nigeria, and have an excellent chance to progress to Round 16 if they get positive results in the remaining two games in Group A.

Their goalkeeper, Manuel Sapunga, said they had a plan to tame the Super Eagles.

Juan Micha's side have reached the semi-final once, but neutrals expected the Super Eagles to comfortably get all the three points, per Opta Analyst.

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Nigeria created most of the chances throughout the game but couldn't find a way to get past Sapunga's teammate, goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who was in top form.

Owono denied African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen several times and was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match award, per CAF.

If Owono can perform like that against Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, January 18, the Nzalang Nacional may have a chance of progressing past the group stage.

Equatorial Guinea's plan for Nigeria

Speaking exclusively to Sports Brief, Polokwane City and Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga said they had an elaborate plan for the three-time AFCON winners.

"We were not surprised because we prepared for the game, and we know Nigeria is a top team in Africa. We are happy with the draw."

They also had a strategy to slow down Napoli superstar Osimhen, who was kept quiet for most of the second half despite getting his goal in the first half.

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"We know he is a big player in Africa and the world. Our system was to contain him by being close to him because as a top striker he can find space to score."

If they beat Guinea-Bissau, they have one leg in the Round of 16. Their performance against Nigeria showed what they are capable of.

Iwobi on Nigeria draw vs Equatorial Guinea

After the match, Nigeria star Alex Iwobi also exclusively spoke to Sports Brief about the frustrating draw with Equatorial Guinea.

The Fulham forward said they created chances, but it was one of those days. Jose Peseiro's side face hosts Ivory Coast in their next match.

"We're all disappointed. It's just one of those days. We had the opportunities, but we didn't take them, and on another day, they go in, but today wasn't meant to be."