Nigeria draws 1:1 with Equitorial Guinea as AFCON 2023 starts
*Supporters Club plays role toward Super Eagles’ victory
By ABIRHIRE THOMAS reporting from Abidjan
Nigeria started poorly as underdogs Equatorial Guinea extended their unbeaten record in all competitions to seven matches following a creditable 1-1 draw with traditional heavyweights Nigeria at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé, Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday January 14, 2023.
Although both teams have not previously faced each other since the Super Eagles emerged victorious in January 2018, Nigeria spurned a glorious chance to break the deadlock in the 11th minute.
However, when presented with the simple task of finding the back of an empty net, Zaidu Sanusi inexplicably managed to misfire wide of the mark.
Down the opposite end of the field, Equatorial Guinea had to be patient in their efforts to call Stanley Nwabili into action, with José Machín flashing a warning shot wayward of the Nigerian goalkeeper’s goal.
With all hope not lost, at the entrance of the main bowl stadium was the members of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, whose President is Prince Vincent Okumagba, drumming, singing and dancing for the Eagles of Nigeria.
The supporters club, especially spurred by its President, Okumagba, is confident of better outing for the Nigerian team and has kick-started what it knows best how to do in order to achieve it.
