Nigeria 🇳🇬 v Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶
Time: 2 pm
Venue: Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, Abidjan
Referee: Tom Abongile (South Africa)
The Super Eagles will commence their 2023 AFCON campaign on Sunday against Equatorial Guinea.
The three-time winners, Nigeria, have been hit with many injuries heading into the AFCON as stars like Wilfred Ndidi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar are all missing the 2023 AFCON due to injuries.
In Group A alongside the host, Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau and tomorrow’s opponent, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria needs a strong start to gather momentum for the tournament.
Nigeria is missing top-notch players but is not short of quality as Victor Osimhen, who missed the 2021 AFCON due to injury will lead the attack. Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Chukueze are forward players who are dangerous to every opponent.
Jose Peseiro is under immense pressure as Nigeria has won once in their last five games. He will need the Super Eagles to step up as his job is at stake.
However, Equatorial Guinea are unbeaten in their last 10 games including two wins in the two opening games of the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
48-year-old head coach, Juan Micha Obiang Bicogo, has been splendid for Equatorial Guinea as he knows a thing or two about Equatorial Guinea’s football. He has been in charge of Equatorial Guinea’s U-17, U-20 and Women’s team.
Skipper Emilio Nsue, Jose Machin, Akapo and Jesus Owono are all ready to face Nigeria.
Nigeria has a slight advantage in terms of head-to-head. In 2008, the Super Eagles triumphed home and away over Equatorial Guinea in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
