Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 campaign got started this weekend with a 1-1 draw against a resilient Equatorial Guinea side, who took the lead with a well-worked goal before Nigeria’s star man Victor Osimhen replied with an instant equaliser.
This result leaves The Super Eagles with plenty of work to do to get out of the group – we spoke to AFCON 1994 winner and Bet9ja Ambassador Victor Ikpeba about his thoughts on the match and what it means for Nigeria’s hopes going forward.
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There are positives to take from this match, but work is needed
It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone, but this AFCON looks like it’s going to be just as unpredictable as the previous editions. I think we created more than enough chances to win this match but the composure wasn’t quite there in front of goal. This is definitely something we need to work on ahead of our match against the hosts, Ivory Coast.
Osimhen delivers but there is space for improvement up top
It was important for Osimhen to get his goal – this is his first proper AFCON as the main man, and he will know that the pressure is on for him to deliver. I would like to see a bit of change in the front line – Ademola Lookman had a good game, but I would like to see Chukwueze come in on the right wing instead of Moses Simon. He would give us a different option with his ability to cut inside and create chances. Simon was quite one-dimensional
We need to have a plan B
As I said last week, AFCON is completely different to any of the top leagues. The intensity is different, there is a big emphasis on physicality and you can’t rely on tactics due to the players not having quite as much chemistry with each other. We saw Paul Onuachu come on as a different option to pair Osimhen up front – he brings a lot of height, but I would like to see Iheanacho up top with Osimhen. If he’s fully fit, he’s the kind of striker who only needs one chance to find the back of the net.
