By Abdulmalik Abdulwahab
Nzalanga Nacional of Equatorial Guinea pegged back the Super Eagles of Nigeria to draw 1-1 in their opening match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations competition at the Olympic Stadium in Abidjan, on Sunday afternoon.
Nigeria put its opponent under the coach but failed to convert their opportunities before Iban Salvado broke the deadlock in the 26 minutes while putting his side on a driver’s bus after his stunner passed through the Super Eagles’ shot-stopper, preceding from a well-run-off play by Juan Micha’s men. Two minutes later, Jose Peseiro’s men ruled out the goal as Nigerian hitman Victor Osimhen’s header found itself inside the net. Kudos to a beautiful cross from Ademola Lookman as the first half ended in a 1-1 draw.
The second half saw the Super Eagles dominate the match while parking Los Elefantes inside their box when Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Nwonu denied the Nigerian poacher in a one-on-one attempt.
Similarly, another clinical pass from Alex Iwobi presented the Super Eagles striker with another chance but the African best player played off the post as the battle ended in a 1-1 draw after the full-time.
The tournament host Cote D’Ivoire sits first to top group A table after beating Guinea Bissau 2-0 on Saturday to claim three points, Nigeria follows with one, next by Equatorial Guinea, and Djurtus sits at the bottom with zero points. Also, while Nigeria struggles with Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea will be battling with Guinea Bissau on Thursday.