AFCON 2024: Victor Osimhen Rescues Nigeria To Draw Against Equatorial Guinea

 

Nigeria had to come from behind and took a humblying 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the opening game of the 2024 African Cup of Nations. 

Ivian Salvador put the Guinean side ahead with a pleasant curly shot that beat Stanley Nwabili to the goal in a set piece with Pepin's assist. The Nigerian side quickly build up a counter and Victor Osinhen nodded home from close range Ademola Lookman's cross. 

The remainder of the game went through with both sides unable to move ahead in the lead and Osimhen had an handful of chances to make that happen for the Nigerian side. 

Having taken the lead before Nigeria equalised, the Guinean side is second of Group A behind Ivory Coast, who lead with three points while Nigeria followed in third. 

Quick Overview 

Quite an enjoyable match with multiple efforts made by Jesus Owono to keep the side in the game by forcing brilliant saves. Equatorial Guinea gradually relaxed on their tenacity after the interval to keep the scoreline as the Nigerian side went offensive.

Nevertheless, that was not to say that the build up to Guinean side's opening goal was lesser than anything brilliant, they neatly caught the Nigerian side offguard. Meanwhile, the goal came a defensive flop that let loose the ball at the front of the goal and Salvador did just right with the chance. 

Osimhen had multiple chances to put the side in the lead that were wasted away and that was to the credit of Owono for making plausible saves.