The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face off against Equatorial Guinea in their opening CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A match on Sunday, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This will be the first encounter between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They faced each other in the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with Nigeria winning both matches (1-0; 2-0).
Nigeria will be making its 20th appearance at the competition, which they have won on three occasions (1980, 1994, 2013). The Super Eagles also reached the semi-finals in 14 of their last 17 AFCON participations. They were beaten finalists the last time the AFCON was held in Côte d’Ivoire, losing 3-1 against Cameroon in 1984.
The Super Eagles scored 22 goals in six games during qualifying for the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the highest tally among the 24 teams at this year’s tournament. 10 of those goals came from African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, twice as many as any other player (4 players on 5 goals).
Nigeria must be vigilant and focused, ensuring they do not concede an early goal while actively seeking opportunities to score.
The three-time African champions, Nigeria, will be hoping to kick off its AFCON 2023 campaign with a victory in their quest for a fourth AFCON crown.
Equatorial Guinea
For Equatorial Guinea, it will be their fourth CAF Africa Cup of Nations appearance, but it’s only the second time they have qualified as non-hosts.
They have so far always reached the knockout stages: quarter-finalists in 2012 and 2021, 4th place in 2015. Equatorial Guinea have never scored more than two goals in their previous 15 matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Only two of Equatorial Guinea’s 11 goals at AFCON have been scored in the first half of matches.
Should they replicate their historical feat and secure a spot in the knockout round, it could spell trouble for pre-tournament favourites like Nigeria or Cote d’Ivoire. Equatorial Guinea’s ability to navigate tough groups in 2012, 2015 and 2021, beating the likes of Zambia, Gabon, and Algeria, showcases their resilience to upset the favourites.
The thrilling encounter promises to deliver goals and wild celebrations, with both teams eager to secure all three (3) points.
Sunday’s AFCON 2023 Fixtures
Group A: Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea – Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan by 3pm (WAT).
Group B: Egypt vs Mozambique – Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan by 6pm (WAT).
Group B: Ghana vs Cape Verde – Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan by 9pm (WAT).
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