Three-time champions Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Equatorial Guinea team in their Africa Cup of Nations Group A encounter at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Sunday.
A composed finish by Ivan Salvador in the 36th minute saw Equatorial Guinea shock the Super Eagles with the lead.
The lead lasted barely two minutes as Osimhen restored parity by leaping to head into the net a smart cross by Ademola Lookman. Then, the Eagles took their feet off the pedal again.
In the second half, the Eagles were more profligate as both Lookman and Osimhen failed to convert early chances, and Lookman heaved too high his shot off a rebound from an effort by Zaidu Sanusi.
Osimhen missed a gilt-edged chance in the 76th minute when he dragged his shot too wide of the near post after being set up by Semi Ajayi.
Coming in the second half, both sides hardly troubled each other’s goals, with both set of defenders doing well to remain disciplined.
The Super Eagles will play hosts Cote d’Ivoire next in a clash of West African heavyweights.
The Ivorians, who opened their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on Saturday evening, are leaders of Group A, while Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are a point above Guinea-Bissau.
