The Super Eagles came into this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations as the big favorite for the title, boasting the African Player of the Year, Víctor Osimhen. They faced Equatorial Guinea, a team that got knocked out in the last AFCON's round of 16 and was looking to pull off an upset against the tournament favorite in Group A's opening match.

Under Peseiro's command, Nigeria, playing with an attacking strategy, created chances that didn't translate into goals. In contrast, Equatorial Guinea, with their first and only shot on target, scored through Iban Salvador in the 37th minute.

Things seemed to be going well for Equatorial Guinea until Nigeria, starting from the midfield, equalized with 4 passes and a header from Osimhen just a minute after the conceded goal. This pattern continued into the second half, with Nigeria on the offensive, trying to rack up points and make their efforts count on the scoreboard.

With the draw, Nigeria temporarily sits in third place in Group A, while Equatorial Guinea holds second place with the same points. Ivory Coast, the host, leads the group at the end of this first day of the Africa Cup of Nations.