Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opener on Sunday afternoon.

Equatorial Guinea took a surprise lead through Iban Salvador in the 36th minute, only for the Super Eagles to level matters two minutes later through reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen.

From the statistics as published by Whoscored.com, the Super Eagles players had better figures than Equatorial Guinea in defensive and attacking-related statistics. 

With a game-high four fouls committed, Alhassan Yusuf was the dirtiest player on the pitch, and he also showed the other side of his game by winning a game-high three fouls. 

The inclusion of William Troost-Ekong in the starting lineup, a veteran of three AFCONs, fortified the Super Eagles defence with his aerial ability. The PAOK man registered a game-high five successful aerial duels. 

There was a five-way tie for the top player in key passes - Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Iban Salvador and Jose Machin with two each. 

Osimhen attempted a game-high six shots, and was flagged offside (3) more than anyone else.

At the top of the dribbling charts were Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze and Emilio Nsue with one take-on completed. 

Equatorial Guinea's Esteban Orozco was the top interceptor (3), while Semi Ajayi and Troost-Ekong registered a team-high two interceptions each.

Onyeka was the top tacker with four, onre more than Alhassan Yusuf, and double the figure registered by Equatorial Guinea's trio Basilio Ndong, Pablo Ganet and Féderico Bikoro.

Ajayi recorded a joint game-high 45 passes along with Féderico Bikoro, whiile Saúl Coco registered seven clearances, three more than Nigeria's top man Troost-Ekong
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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