Jesus Lavaro Owono attributes Nigeria draw to Equatorial Guinea teamwork

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Equatorial Guinea captain, Jesus Lazaro Owono has attributed his team’s 1-1 draw with their Nigerian counterparts to teamwork.

The Nzalang National went ahead in the 36th minute thanks to a goal by Ivan Salvador Edu before Victor Osimhen equaliser two minutes later to ensure that the encounter ended in a stalemate.

The Super Eagles paid dearly for their several missed chances in the second half but the resilience of the Central African side and goalkeeping heroics of Owono saved the day for Juan Micha’s side.

“High level of players the Nigeria team have in their fold,” Owono told media at the post match press conference.

“I didn’t score the goal. Our players that played at the centra did a good job. We showed that we are united as one.

“I believed that it was going to be complicated as a game. We had the mindset that the game was going to be difficult which was conveyed to all players. We actually wanted to win.

“It was the first match and I believed it was team effort that combined but the most important thing was the work that the team came up with and we will take the spirit to our next game against Guinea Bissau.”

Owono put up a fantastic performance for his team including saving a one-on-one chance with the Africa Player of the Year, Osimhen.

His breathtaking perfomance between the sticks earned him the Man of the match award after the encounter.

The Alaves star will aim to continue his rich vein of form against Guinea Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 18, 2024.