2023 AFCON: Nigeria Vow To Soar Over Equatorial Guinea In AFCON Opener

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea will face off in the final match of Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, both teams looking to kick off their campaign with a win.

While their encounters haven’t been frequent, Nigerians fondly remember the double victory over Equatorial Guinea during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Ahead of the clash, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa expressed the team’s determination to secure the three points. “It’s not going to be a walk in the park,” he acknowledged, “but we’ll give it our all for the win.”

He said, “It is always interesting to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. I was a champion in 2013, same as (defender Kenneth) Omeruo. However, the rest of the team want to have that feeling of what it means to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Everyone is geared towards making a statement.

“It is not going to be a picnic. The teams in our group, including Equatorial Guinea that we play tomorrow, are strong and ambitious as well. It is for us to go all out for the three points in each of our games, and then take it from there in the knock-out rounds. We will take it one match at a time.”

The “Let’s Do It Again” mantra fuels Nigeria’s campaign, aiming to repeat their triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013. This year marks their 20th appearance at the AFCON, boasting the most podium appearances with 15 in 20 finals.

While concerns about midfield weaknesses have been raised, coach José Peseiro remains confident. “Every team has areas to improve, but we have both determination and discipline,” he stated.

Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang Nationale may be looking to strike, but Musa assures, “We are ready. This team loves to compete, and we’ll give our best in this match and the tournament.”

The stage is set for an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to make a strong start in Group A.

This year’s final tournament is Nigeria’s 20th appearance, having made her debut in 1963, and then appeared at the 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019 and 2021 finals.

Nigeria remains the country with the most podium appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations, having in addition to wins in 1980, 1994 and 2013, finished as runners-up in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000, and picked up the bronze medals in 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019, making for a total of 15 podium appearances in 20 finals.