Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea played out to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group A match of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations match played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday afternoon.

Iban Salvador got the goal for Equatorial Guinea while Victor Osimhen registered himself on the scoresheet for Nigeria.

The game started on a slow note with both teams trying to find an opening.

Coach Juan Micha’s men came into the match as the giant kilers and were looking to cause an upset against José Peseiro’s much fancied 3 times African Champions.

The first 30 minutes saw a cautious approach from both teams but the game came to life in the closing stages of the first half.

Equatorial Guinea opened the scoring through Iban Salvador in the 36th minute who finished well in the box. But the Super Eagles responded immediately with Victor Osimhen heading in the equalizer just two minutes later.

The match was tied at 1 all going into the break and probably the Nazalang Nacional the happier at that point.

The second half began just as the first half with both teams going toe to toe to see who will flinch.

Osimhen had a chance to close the game late on when he was put through on goal but his effort went wide off the target with only the keeper to beat.

In the end the spoils were shared at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, with Equatorial Guinea holding on for a precious point.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer