By Frank Ulom
Lacklustre Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday came from behind to draw The Elephants (National Thunder) of Equatorial Guinea in their opening match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, AFCON played in Ivory Coast.
Iban Edu Salvador gave Equatorial Guinea the lead in the 36th minute after meeting Jose Machin’s pass in the opposition’s 16-yard box.
The lead lasted for two minutes as Victor Osimhen equalised for Nigeria, heading home a cross from Ademola Lookman in the 38th minute.
Osimhen had a chance to make it two in the second half but the goal poacher skewed wide from closed range while one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
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The draw means Nigeria sit third, while Equatorial Guinea on second.
Ivory Coast on the other hand sit top of the group with 3 points following their 2-nil win over Guinea-Bissau on Saturday.
Nigeria need to win their next match to have a chance to qualify for round 16.
Group Standing
Ivory Coast – 3 points
Equatorial Guinea – 1 point
Nigeria – 1 point
Guinea-Bissau – 0 point