Wasteful Super Eagles draw Equatorial Guinea in 2023 AFCON opener

The Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opening fixture of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON).

Equatorial Guinea took the lead in the 36th minute with a goal by Iban Salvador Edu, but the Super Eagles quickly responded two minutes later, off a header by Victor Osimhen.

However, the African best player will have a match to forget, after missing several opportunities, including a point-blank effort sent wide.

Aside Osimhen, Ola Aina from the right wing, suffered the same fate, playing several balls into the hands of Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper.

The game saw a late arrival of AC Milan’s ace Samuel Chukwueze, who replaced Moses Simon after he failed to impress from the wing.

Debutant Alhassan Yusuf was spectacular in the encounter, chasing down opponents from box to box, however, he suffered an injury just few minutes into the second, and was stretched out.

The Super Eagles now have work to do in their next match against Ivory Coast, while Equatorial Guniea will hope for their first win of the tournament when they meet Guinea Bissau later this week.