AFCON2023: Osimhen rescues Nigeria from Equatorial Guinea upset
14th January 2024
In the second group match of Group A at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Victor Osimhen's rapid equalizer prevented Nigeria from a surprising defeat against Equatorial Guinea.
After Iban Salvador's early goal for Equatorial Guinea, Osimhen responded with a header, leveling the score.
Despite Salvador's impressive first-half finish being Equatorial Guinea's only shot on target, it briefly hinted at a major upset.
Goalkeeper Jesus Owono made crucial saves in the second half, denying Nigeria a victory, and Osimhen missed a key opportunity.
Three-time continental champions Nigeria are seeking to lift the trophy for the first time since 2013 but could not find a winner against opponents who had beaten holders Algeria on their way to the quarter-finals at the 2021 finals.
The Group A clash ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams with two points, trailing Ivory Coast, who secured a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria faces Ivory Coast in their next match, while Equatorial Guinea takes on Guinea-Bissau.