AFCON: Hosts Cote d’Ivoire In Flying Start As Injury-Hit Nigeria Open Account Today
- Ivory Coast beat Guinea-Bissau 2 – 0
- Super Eagles face Equatorial Guinea
Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso fired Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosts, Ivory Coast to a flying start in the tournament opener as Guinea-Bissau paid hugely for their defensive blunders
The Ivorians’ awesome start saw them beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the opening match and it took just four minutes for them to get up and running at 1-0. Pouncing on a terrible pass from Jefferson Encada just outside the Guinea-Bissau box, Fofana smashed in a nice goal despite being surrounded by defenders.
The visitors broke through just before the half-hour mark for their first big chance of the game but Mama Balde could not beat the goalkeeper. Ivory Coast responded with another excellent shot effort from Fofana, only to see goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco tip it onto the bar.
The Ivorians had another great opportunity moments later but Jean-Philippe Krasso’s effort from close range was blocked. Though chances were few and far between for them, Guinea-Bissau maintained some hope of staying in the game.
However, their dreams came crashing just before the hour mark when Opa Sangante’s calamitous defending gifted Krasso a chance and he made no mistake in firing it in for the second and insurance goal for the hosts.
Nigeria Battle Equatorial Guinea
Meanwhile, football aficionados are asking questions whether Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen can inspire injury-hit Super Eagles to go all the way as they commence their AFCON 2023 account today against old foes, Equatorial Guinea.
Burdened by an unfortunate surge in injuries, posing a threat to their quest for the title, Nigeria will be deprived of their status as a team with a formidable attacking force that include talents like Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, and Umar Sadiq.
The team now faces a challenge to find potent goal-scoring options, raising fears how the country can now navigate this predicament with Sadiq suffering a knee injury during the Super Eagles’ friendly against Syli Stars of Guinea on January 8, leading to his sudden return to Real Sociedad for a three-week recovery period.
Additionally, Wilfred Ndidi and Boniface have been substituted with Alhassan Yusuf and Terem Moffi and the limited attacking options now has Osimhen standing as the sole available forward for Nigeria’s opening game against Equatorial Guinea today, January 14.
Injury-doubt Iheanacho and Moffi, the additional striking options, were set to join the squad this weekend. In the circumstance, Coach Jose Peseiro’s decision to select only 25 players instead of the 27 allowed by CAF competition rules appears less favourable now.
With Osimhen as the sole dedicated striker, versatility may prompt Peseiro to call upon Ademola Lookman and Ahmed Musa if needed.
But despite these injuries, analysts believe Nigeria possess an abundance of talent, and the replacements are nearly as proficient as the players lost.
The critical question revolves around the mental preparedness of the Super Eagles players and their readiness to seize the opportunity and prove their worth will significantly impact the team.
The Equatorial Guinea test
Amid ongoing speculations about Nigeria’s performance at the continental showpiece in Ivory Coast, their upcoming match against Equatorial Guinea promises to offer football fans a preview of what lies ahead.
Not in anyway underestimating the three-time AFCON winners, the Super Eagles have the ability to unveil surprises at any given moment and in spite of the unfortunate situation at hand, they will surely be eager to prove doubters wrong. – With Goal.com report
