In an unexpected turn of events, Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday afternoon in Abidjan.
Victor Osimhen’s swift equaliser saved Nigeria from a potential upset, cancelling out Iban Salvador’s early goal for the underdogs.
Nigeria failed to capitalise on their opportunities in the second half, including a miss by Osimhen after he broke free. Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono also made impressive saves.
The result leaves both teams trailing Ivory Coast, who defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the opening match, by two points in Group A.
Equatorial Guinea will next face Guinea-Bissau on Thursday at 14:00 GMT, while Nigeria take on Ivory Coast at 17:00 GMT, setting up an exciting clash between two strong title contenders.