The Super Eagles got their AFCON 2023 campaign off to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in Group A.
Despite going into the game as favourites, the Eagles had to rely on a Victor Osimhen equaliser to salvage a point.
Following the disappointing result, here are five talking points from the game.
– Osimhen still only Super Eagles main threat in attack
Victor Osimhen proved once that without him, the Super Eagles will struggle to score goals.
The Napoli star got the equalizer after Equatorial Guinea took a shock lead and wasted a golden opportunity to make it 2-1.
Other forward players must step up to ease the scoring duties on Osimhen.
– Super Eagles wasteful in front of goal
The outcome of the encounter was not a true reflection of the game as the Eagles threw away begging chances.
Among the culprits are Osimhen, Zaidu Sanusi who had two very good chances and Ademola Lookman.
This should be a worry for the coaching crew as they will not always create scoring chances against every team.
– Still cannot keep clean sheet
Once again, the Eagles showed that they will always concede goals, no matter the opposition.
The goal conceded against Equatorial Guinea means they have not kept a clean sheet in their last six games.
The last time they kept a clean sheet was in the 6-0 win against São Tomé and Principe in September 2023.
– Lack of creativity still an issue
Unlike the Super Eagles of the past, the current team lack enough players with the creative spark that can unload teams.
Iwobi did tried to provide be the creative outlet for the team following his two brilliant passes for Osimhen and Zaidu Sanusi.
– Stanley Nwabali looked assured in goal
Though it was his competitive debut for the Super Eagles, Stanley Nwabali was not fazed by the occasion.
Looked assured while coming out to claim crosses and his distributions were good.
However, he will face his biggest rest when the Eagles take on hosts Côte d’Ivoire in their second Group A game.
