Nigeria’s Super Eagles could only manage a draw in their opening group A encounter with the Nzalang National of Equatorial Guinea.
In the 38th minute, Equatorial Guinea Midfieder, Ivan Edu Salvador latched on to a through pass right inside the Super Eagles box and wasted no time before sending a low drive shot towards Super Eagles goalie, Stanley Nwabili who stood still and watched the ball land into the net.
However, just a minute after, Ademola Lookman made a dazzling move on the left side and sent a cross that beat Equatorial Guinea goalie, Jesus Lazarus and into the waiting head of African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen for the Super Eagles Equalizer.
The first half ended 1-1 with both team scoring each other few minutes apart.
Upon resumption of second half, both teams tried to pressure each other on the counter but all efforts from both sides couldn’t produce a goal.
Although, the clearest opportunity fell to Osimhen in the 72nd minute when Alex Iwobi sent a through pass across to him, but the Napoli number 9 fluffed the opportunity to put Nigeria in the lead and secure all three points for the West Africans.
The result meant Super Eagles are joint second on the log with Equatorial Guinea and will play the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire on the 18th of January at the Alasanne Quatarra Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan.