Super Eagles began their campaign with a draw at the 34th edition of Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The 3-time African champions played a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea at Alassane Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Sunday.
Super Eagles Coach Jose Peseiro handed a debut to Alhassan Yusuf, also could not withstand the pressure from Nigerian fans as he started Stanley Nwabili in goal on his full competitive debuts.
It was an encounter with less bites from both sides in the first 20 minutes but it was Nigeria that put more threats in goal with Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono putting several saves to kept their opponents at bay.
Super Eagles were the better side despite their lack of cutting edge in the final third and missed chances in front of goal.
Equatorial Guinea sitting back for a counter and were no where to be found in the first half.
But it was the Nzalang Nacional who drew the first blood with Iban Edu placing the ball passed unmoved Stanley Nwabili to give them the lead in 36 minutes.
Super Eagles responded with a quick succession with Frank Onyeka giving a long ball pass to Ademola Lookman and the Atalanta man put a fine cross into the box beating the defenders and the goalkeeper for Victor Osimhen to glance the ball into the nets to leveled the parity.
And after the restart of the second half Super Eagles pressing to search for a winner.
Close to the tale end of the match Victor Osimhen missed a glorious chance going one on one to give Nigeria the lead, but put the ball off target as both teams settled for a point each.
Nigeria will play the hosts Nation, Ivory Coast who in the second group stage match, Ivory Coast defeated Guinea Bissau 2-0 in the opening match on Saturday.
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