The Super Eagles settled for a stalemate against their West African counterpart in the continental competition in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria played a 1-1 draw against Equitoria Guinea in their first game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at Stade Allassane Ouattara on Sunday.
Coach Jose Peseiro named a strong squad for the Super Eagles on the back of their loss in their last preparatory game. The Portuguese tactician named Stanley Nwabali in goal and featured Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi in defence. Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf were preferred in the midfield while Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman featured in the attack.
Juan Micha named a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Emilio Nsue featuring in the attack while Jesus Owono was in goal, Jannick Buyla, Jose Machin, Iban Salvador, Frederico Bikoro, Pablo Ganet, Basilio Ndong, Saul Coco, Carlos Akapo and Fenandez were on parade.
AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast 2-0 Guinea Bissau
Nigeria hit the ground running and threatened Equitoria Guinea’s goal as early as the 10th minute of the game when Saidu struck a kick but it went off target. Micha’s team gradually came into the game and Joan Machin got a great chance to shoot but his shot breezed past the face of goal. Ibah Salvador then scored to give Equitoria Guinea the lead in the 36th minute, the lead did not last for a long time as Nigeria equalised through Osimhen. The Napoli striker powered home a good header to open his account in the tournament.
In the second half of the game, a number of substitutions were made, notwithstanding, efforts from both sides to get the lead proved abotive. Nigeria’s Ola Aina got a shot on target, Osimhen struck a shot towards goal but it failed to trouble goalkeeper Owono. Equitoria Guinea’s Nsue attempted on goal but it went off target.
Ivory Coast leads Group A table with three points while Nigeria, Equitoria Guinea occupy the second and third positions respectively. Guinea Bissau is at the bottom of the group with no point.
Nigeria will take on Ivory Coast while Equitoria Guinea will play Guinea Bissau on January 18 respectively.
