For the Super Eagles, who are looking at doing it again after 11 years, starting out their campaign in Cote D’Ivoire with anything less than a win is completely out of the radar.
Having been depleted by injuries to a number of key players, all attention will be on them to see how they manage to deal with the absence of the likes of Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar and Wilfred Ndidi drawing on the depth in the squad as they look to soar to triumph starting from their opening match.
Though unimpressive in their last few games that have raised concerns about the team’s competence, the quality in the Nigeria team is one not to be dismissed and opponents must be wary of judging them on games outside of a proper competition with a trophy at stake.
For Equatorial Guinea, causing upsets is not unfamiliar to them. As a matter of fact, they have always made it past the group stage in their past appearances at the AFCON.
With a defense able to deal with the onslaught of the Super Eagles attack led by the reigning CAF African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, and a frontline ready to tuck home the most of the opportunities they get going forward, an upset might not be far from range.
Team News – Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea
Victor Boniface has been ruled out of the competition due to injury, but Nigeria will still have a wealth of attacking options in Osimhen, captain Ahmed Musa, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Both Osimhen and Alex Iwobi, who were benched in the friendly loss to Guinea, should start in Abidjan.
Frank Onyeka, a midfielder for Brentford, and Calvin Bassey, a player for Fulham, are also be key players.
Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is out due to injury, while Kelechi Iheanacho is questionable because of a recent injury.
The only player from the United Kingdom selected for Equatorial Guinea is young Huddersfield defender Charles Ondo. Emilio Nsue, a former Middlesbrough and Birmingham striker, will captain and lead the team.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea is scheduled for a 3pm WAT kick-off on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
The match will take place at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
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