AFCON 2023: Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea Preview: Super Eagles aim to halt Thunder

The highly anticipated match between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) comes up on January 14, 2024, at the Stade Olympic Ebimpe.

The Super Eagles suffered a significant setback with midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, red-hot Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, and Umar Sadiq, all ruled out of the squad after sustaining injury in camp while Kelechi Iheanacho is still a doubt for the opening match.

Equatorial Guinea has shown remarkable progress, especially in its performance in the last AFCON, where it reached the quarter-finals, and they have been on a nine-match unbeaten run, with six wins and three draws.

On the other hand, Nigeria —who are looking to claim their fourth title glory— have just one win in their last five matches heading into this year’s tournament.

However, the Super Eagles can take confidence in their past record against the National Thunders.

Both sides have met on three occasions with Nigeria victorious in all. However, this will be their first AFCON encounter.

The last time they both faced each other was in 2008, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, with Nigeria winning both legs on 3-0 aggregate.

In 2018, both teams faced off in the CAF African Nations Championship which ended 3-1 in favor of the Eagles.

This will be the Nzalang Nacional’s fourth appearance and the second time they have qualified as non-hosts. Meanwhile, Nigeria who are three-time champions have finished third (eight times) and second (four times) and are making their 20th appearance.

Jose Peseiro’s side boasts of notable strikers, including reigning CAF Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen who was directly involved in 55% of Nigeria’s goals during the qualifying campaign with 10 goals and tqo assists.

However, Equatorial Guinea have shown resilience and tactical discipline, often surprising stronger teams with their organized play and counter-attacking strategy.

The Thunders will be led by captain and striker Emilio Nsue, formerly of Middlesbrough and Birmingham, while young Huddersfield defender Charles Ondo is their sole British-based call-up to AFCON.

The match will kickoff at 3pm Nigeria time.