AFCON 2023: Nigeria held by Equatorial Guinea

There was no winner between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea in Group A of AFCON 2023. The two sides had to settle for a draw. Dominant for long spells, Nigeria failed to get past Nzalang National. The Super Eagles were caught out in the first half, with Equatorial Guinea taking the lead in the 36th minute. Ivan Salvador curled a shot past Super Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali. But the response was not long in coming.

Victor Osimhen put Nigeria back on level terms (38th). From an Ademola Lookman cross to the far post, the Napoli striker directed his header into the back of the net. It was Osimhen's first goal at an AFCON finals. Nigeria missed several chances to go ahead. Picked out on the left, Moses Simons drove a shot across goal towards the near post, but Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Ngua made a fine save. The two sides went into the dressing rooms level at 1-1.

Nigeria run into Nzalang's defensive resilience

In the second half, the Super Eagles created chance after chance but could not find a second goal. They were repeatedly denied by Nzalang goalkeeper Ngua, who was impressive in this game. Played through, Osimhen missed in a one-on-one, closing his foot too much and failing to hit the target. The Nigerians kept piling on the pressure but ran into the defensive solidity of Ivan Edu's team-mates. The two sides cancelled each other out. Côte d'Ivoire are alone at the top of Group A at AFCON 2023 with 3 points.