The Nigerian national side failed to get off to a winning start at the Africa Cup of Nations, drawing 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
The Super Eagles entered the match as favorites, led by a powerful attacking combination of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon. They were surprised, however, when Iban Salvador of Equatorial Guinea scored shortly before halftime.
Nigeria quickly equalized through Osimhen, but good scoring chances were difficult to come by for much of the game. Both teams adopted an open style of play in the second half, although the Nigerians’ finishing let them down on multiple opportunities.
Late substitution Samuel Chukwueze revitalized the Nigerian onslaught, but a breakthrough remained tough. Their finest chance came late in the game, when Osimhen was put one-on-one with the goalkeeper but failed to convert.
In the end, Nigeria had to settle for a point in their first AFCON match against an Equatorial Guinea side that put up a good fight. The result means that the Super Eagles must perform well in their remaining group stage matches if they are to advance to the knockout stage.
