Afcon 2023: Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea: How did Super Eagles’ players fared? 

By Wale Mustapha

2023 African Cup of Nations underdogs, Equatorial Guinea pulled off a shock result, securing a stunning 1-1 draw against traditional heavyweights and favourites, Nigeria at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Sunday.

The Super Eagles were eyeing their fourth African title on 20th continental campaign but were forced a winless streak in four international matches in all competitions, after draws with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and recently Guinea.

Victor Osimhen’s headed goal canceled out an early finish from Ivan Salvador both coming in under two minutes in the first half.

The Super Eagles dominated the contest, especially in the second half and could have easily claimed the match points  but paid dearly their profigacy in front of the Guineans box.

In the wake of the result, Nigeriafootball.ng reviews the performance of Jose Peseiro’s men against the stubborn Nzalang Nationale.

The debuting goalkeeper did have much to do as Super Eagles dominated most part of the game.

He has no answer to Salvador’s goal as it was well worked one, but he was able coordinate his defense as well made good services to restart the game on time.  He should be retained between the sticks for the next game(s).

The Nottimgham Forest’s defender started the game well with good runs on the flank and timely recoveries.

However, he fizzled out at some points as he failed to recover on time, one of them led to the Guineans capitalized on his wing to attack and the get their goal.

He would later be removed for Bright Osayi-Samuel which was an evidence that he was not fit to see a full match.

Sanusi was indeed one of the standout performers in the match with his quick feet, timely defending and macy runs on the flank.

He could have had more ratings had he able to buried those big chances he was presented with.

Ekong was able to show why he was favored to start the match ahead of Calvin Bassey in that central defense.

He was calm and calculated with his interceptions and was able to help adding numbers to the attack when needed.

Ekong’s only undoing was inability to direct deliver a needed pass for the running wingers up front.

The West Brom defender was Nigeria’s best man in defense on Sunday.

He was almost everywhere he needed to be including joining in the midfield to set up attack for the Super Eagles.

It is expected that he would raise his game and do much better than the Sunday’s match.

A wonderful performance from Onyeka as he was able to do his primary role perfectly.

He provided the added cover fot backline, clear the danger with his aggressive tackles as well as supporting attack in few moments he had.

Arguably the best player for Nigeria in the match.  Yusuf did not make the team feel the absence of Wilfred Ndidi who he was called to replace.  He was almost everywhere both in attack and defense.

He hardly put a wrong foot forward with his tackles and was also impressive with the interceptions.

He could have see out the entire duration and probably helped to win the game, no thanks to the thigh sprain.

It is expected that the Royal Antwerp midfielder would be fit before the Ivory Coast match as he will be needed in that midfield.

The Everton midfielder had a terrible performance as he unable to deliver on the assignment handed over to him.

He hardly make a good pass for Victor Osimhen and even to the wingers. Given excuse for the weather can be accepted but he would have done better than what he did against the Guineans.

No much word to describe him than vintage. Lookman was another player that gave his all in the match.

Apart from providing the equalizer for Osimhen, Lookman was involed in many other attacks that almost result to goal(s) for Nigeria.  He will only need to add goal scoring to his performance to show why he should be regarded as one of the best in his department.

Simon had a bit part performance from the match. He was completely off the radar the first half as he failed to deliver a single cross from the right wing. He gave a glimpse of hope early in the second half forcing Owono to a smart save but switched off again till he was removed. He’s not expected to start the second match giving his performance against the Guineans on Sunday.

The Napoli’s striker could have earned the highest rating from the match but let his team down with that terrible miss.

Osimhen will be praised for bringing the Super Eagles back into the game with that equalizer but won’t be forgiven with the other he missed.

Nigeria’s chances of making it to the next round rest majorly on the reigning African Footballer of the Year, hence the need for him to get his subsequent chances count.

Had a good chances to provide Osimhen with a good pass to score the winner but shockingly misplaced the passes.

Made some good runs into dangerous areas but failed to direct his passes to of his team mates.

Played at left back when he came on for Sanusi and could not make any meaningful effect.

Came late on in the game and had no ample time to influence the match.

The lanky striker also came on very late was involved in the melee that almost result to a goal. He might come in handy for subsequent games.