Missed chances, poor passes and lack of creativity were the bane of Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they failed to fly against Equatorial Guinea in their opening group A game of the African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagle put their opponents on the ropes for most of the game, but the lack of a knock punch and brilliant goalkeeping by Jesus Owono kept the Equatorial Guinean team in the game. Owono won man of the match.
Saidu Sanusi could have put the Super Eagles ahead after he latched on to a pass from new comer Alhassan Yusuf, he shot over the bar. Victor Osimhen, leading marksman in qualifying for the tournament, also spurned a presentable opportunity after heading Ola Aina’s inviting delivery wide.
But Super Eagles goalie, Stanley Nwabali making his first competitive appearance was no hero when the Guineans came calling and put him to test for the very first time, he was motionless as Iban Salvador tucked in the ball after the Super Eagles defence were outwitted with clever moves and passes. It was Guinea’s only shot at goal in all of the encounter. But Victor Osimhen jumped higher and headed in a goal from a cross by Ademola Lookman to quickly cancel out the Guinean 37 minutes’ goal.
After the break Super Eagles kept coming at their opponents, but there was no clear delivery and no spectacular finish. Osimhen, himself bit his fingers nails after he failed to beat Owono. Alex Iwobi had put him through, but his shot went wide with Owono at his mercy.
The introduction of Samuel Chukwuzes and Joe Aribo in the second half failed to yield any dividend for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria must now grind out a result when they face hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday. The Elephants beat Guinea Bissau 2-0 in the opening game, a loss to Equatorial Guinea will spell doom for their survival in the group A pairings.
