Rabat – Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea drew their first group stage match today with a 1-1 score, as part of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently being held in Côte d’Ivoire.
The first group stage match took place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in the capital city of Abidjan.
In an attempt to take the lead early-on, Nigeria tried to open the scoring at less than a minute from the kick-off with a long shot, but the goalkeeper’s save was successful.
In the 36th minute, Guinea’s forward Ivan Salvador offered his team the first goal with a left shot that left no chance for the goalkeeper to save it.
However, Nigeria reacted quickly by tying the score only two minutes later with a header by striker Victor Osimhen, to end the first half 1-1.
After numerous missed attempts from both the teams, most notably Nigeria, in the second half, the game ended with a draw.
Nigeria will play its second group stage match against Cote d’Ivoire on January 18. The two teams will clash at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe at 6:00 p.m. Moroccan Time.
Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire are expected to ‘deliver fireworks’ as each of them will seek to reach an advanced stage in the tournament.
Read also: Côte d’Ivoire Beats Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in AFCON 2023 Opening Match
