Osimhen Scores As Nigeria Held By Equatorial Guinea
Sumaira FH Published January 15, 2024 | 01:40 AM
Abidjan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jan, 2024) African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen scored for Nigeria as they disappointed in a 1-1 Africa Cup of Nations Group A draw with Equatorial Guinea in Abidjan on Sunday.
Osimhen levelled in the first half almost immediately after Iban Edu had opened the scoring in match that ended with both teams on one point, two fewer than leaders and hosts Ivory Coast.
The two-yearly African football showpiece kicked off on Saturday with Ivory Coast beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the same stadium.
Nigeria, 46 places higher than Equatorial Guinea in the world rankings, had been expected to begin their campaign for a fourth African title with a victory.
"We hoped to win this match and we did everything to win. Our team was better than Equatorial Guinea but we lacked luck," said Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro.
"I am not happy. I deserved to win -- this draw does not suit us. Our team created a lot of chances but we did not score.
"We hope that next time, even with fewer opportunities, we will score. We simply have to improve our finishing."
Equatorial Guinea coach Juan Micha said: "We still have a lot to do. We are in a group stage and this is the first match. We will try to reach the next stage."
Given so much of the pre-match attention was on Osimhen, it was fitting that the star who once sold newspapers on the bustling Lagos streets to eke out a living, was first to threaten.
Offered a half chance outside the box in the fifth minute, the Napoli forward produced an uncharacteristic finish as he blazed over the crossbar.
- Reacted swiftly -
Nigeria dominated the early possession and should have taken the lead 10 minutes into a match that attracted a small crowd to the 60,000-seat Ebimpe Olympic Stadium.
A low cross from the right eluded everyone except Super Eagle Zaidu Sanusi at the far post, but his shot was too high and wide.
As the half progressed the Equatoguineans came more into the game and went ahead on 36 minutes through a midfielder whose name differs depending where he plays.
Ivan Salvador Edu is known as Ivan Salvador in Spain, where he was born, but in Africa he is Iban Edu, the name on his shirt in this match.
Edu took a pass just inside the box from Jose Machin and used his left foot to place the ball into the corner of the net past stationery goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria reacted swiftly with Osimhen levelling just two minutes later in a stadium on the outskirts of the Ivorian economic capital.
The equaliser was an "Italian" affair as Ademola Lookman of Atalanta crossed and Osimhen from the defending Serie A champions nodded into the net at the far post.
As the second half unfolded, Equatoguinean Jesus Owono was much the busier goalkeeper and used his feet several times to foil a Nigerian team in the ascendancy.
Nigeria suffered a blow midway through the half when livewire midfielder Alhassan Yusuf -- a late addition to the squad in place of injured Wilfred Ndidi -- retired injured.
Osimhen wasted a great chance to put his country ahead on 76 minutes as, one-on-one with Ewono, he fired past the goalkeeper but also wide of the goal.
In the second round of Group A matches on Thursday, Equatorial Guinea meet Guinea-Bissau before the potential highlight of the mini-league pits Ivory Coast against Nigeria.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan marks World Press Freedom Day
High-level Saudi business delegation due on May 5
Stocks heat up as US labour market cools
President approves Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024
Implementation of merit, justice to oppressed segments top priorities: CPO
Overseas Kashmir community delegation calls on AJK President, discusses latest s ..
Govt believes in freedom of press: Amir Muqam
Labour urges UK election after Tory losses
Health authorities asked for action against alleged illegal tenders at Services ..
Spain scraps national bullfighting prize sparking debate
Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan visits Rawalpindi ..
ATC extends interim bail of PTI founder in 3 cases
More Stories From World
-
Dams strain as water, death toll, rise in south Brazil
27 minutes ago -
Rafah assault 'could lead to a bloodbath': WHO chief
27 minutes ago -
USA include former Kiwi all-rounder in T20 World Cup squad
47 minutes ago -
Spanish beauty group Puig makes market debut
47 minutes ago -
Israel trade freeze aimed at forcing Gaza truce: Erdogan
1 hour ago -
Debutant Tanzid powers Bangladesh win over Zimbabwe
1 hour ago
-
Panama to vote in presidential election with 8 contenders
1 hour ago -
Trump trial ends second week of combustible testimony
2 hours ago -
US campus protests wane after crackdowns
2 hours ago -
Nepal court orders limit on Everest climbing permits
2 hours ago -
Germany, Czech Republic accuse Russia of cyberattacks
2 hours ago -
Lunar mission good example of Pak-China cooperation in space exploration, research: Ambassador Hashm ..
3 hours ago