Credit: Businessday NG
Nigeria, the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, missed numerous scoring opportunities and settled for a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their Group A encounter at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on Sunday.
In the initial 10 minutes, Alex Iwobi tested the opposing goalkeeper, and a minute later, his cross to Victor Osimhen was skillfully caught by the goalkeeper. Osimhen missed a chance and narrowly headed another away, while Zaidu Sanusi failed to connect with an open goal. Despite the early opportunities, Nigeria failed to capitalize, allowing Equatorial Guinea to find their rhythm and grow in confidence.
You will also like...
Nigeria’s defence was lacklustre, with Ola Aina occasionally indulging in showboating. The defensive lapse led to a mistake by Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, allowing Ivan Salvador to score from 12 yards in the 36th minute.
Osimhen quickly equalized after the restart, heading in a well-delivered cross from the hard-working Ademola Lookman. However, Nigeria failed to maintain momentum.
In the second half, the Eagles were wasteful as Lookman and Osimhen missed early chances. Lookman’s shot off a rebound from Sanusi’s effort sailed too high. Despite efforts from Osimhen and Aina, the game remained evenly contested. Osimhen had a golden opportunity in the 76th minute but dragged his shot wide.
In the 90th minute, Lookman’s attempt was thwarted by the opposition goalkeeper. The draw means Nigeria must secure at least a point in their upcoming clash with hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday at the same venue to remain in contention for a spot in the Round of 16.
The result also marks three consecutive 1-1 draws for the Eagles in competitive games, following similar outcomes against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in November.
What’s your impression on Super Eagles performance?
