CITIZENS COMPASS —The Super Eagles of Nigeria has surprised many of its fans by settling for 1-1 draw with the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea 

during an opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations that took place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, January 14, 2024. 

Equatorial Guinea took the lead in the 35th minute, catching the Super Eagles off guard as Ivan Edu elegantly curled a shot into the far right corner of the net. The stadium roared with excitement as the underdog team gained the upper hand.

However, the Super Eagles swiftly responded, showcasing resilience on the field. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen soared above the opposition with a towering header, connecting flawlessly to Ademola Lookman’s precise cross, leveling the score and bringing hope to the Nigerian side.

Despite the dramatic turn of events, the result left many Nigerians disheartened. Equatorial Guinea, perceived as a smaller team, managed to hold the mighty Super Eagles to a draw, sparking disappointment and bitter sentiments among the Nigerian fans.

Various speculations surround the disappointing performance by the Nigerian team. Critics point to the absence of home-based players, arguing that their passion and commitment surpass that of foreign-based players. The belief is that these players, who have made it beyond fear of failure, might not be putting in the same wholehearted effort as their home-based counterparts, who strive to make a lasting impact for the country.

Criticism extends to the coaching staff, with some blaming the coach for making wrong selections and being too tolerant. Fans express concern that the coach’s passive approach fails to keep players on their toes, potentially contributing to lackluster performances on the international stage. Additionally, there’s a growing observation that players who excel in their club sides seem to struggle when donning the national team jersey, leaving supporters puzzled and calling for a reevaluation of the team dynamics.