AFCON 2023: Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea LIVE. The stage is set for an exciting start to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as soccer powerhouse Nigeria takes on major underdog Equatorial Guinea this Sunday, January 14th. Kickoff is slated for 3pm West Africa Time at Ivory Coast’s Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.
Despite entering as heavy favorites, Nigeria is dealing with injuries to key players that could impact their odds. Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro will need to strategize carefully against the National Thunder’s scrappy play.
On paper, this match looks like a mismatch. Nigeria’s squad is valued at a towering $383 million – the most of any AFCON team. Comparatively, Equatorial Guinea sits at just $10 million.
The gulf in experience is just as wide. Nigeria are prior champions in 2013 and have reached the knockout rounds in 5 of their last 6 appearances. The Equatoguineans have never made it past the group stage.
Still, the underdog National Thunder can’t be overlooked entirely. Though outmatched, they have proven slippery for Nigeria in prior AFCON meetings, including a famous 2014 upset.
Without several stars, Peseiro may need to rely on emerging talents like Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman to ignite Nigeria’s attack. Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea will look to 38-year-old captain Emilio Nsue for composure and clever playmaking.
Fans can expect an energetic start as Nigeria seeks to control possession and overwhelm their opponent. If Equatorial Guinea absorbs early pressure, they could grow in confidence and create nervous moments on the counter.
No matter the predicted outcome, both teams know nothing is guaranteed in tournament soccer. Nigeria cannot take qualification for granted.
Football fans worldwide can watch the match live on SuperSport TV, Azam Sports, StarTimes and other providers. With so much on the line in Group A, this AFCON opener will set the tone for both nations’ ambitions this month.
