Following a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in their opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper, Jesus Owono, confidently asserted that the Nzalang Nacional faced the star-studded Super Eagles without fear.
Despite Nigeria’s overall control, Equatorial Guinea took the lead in the 36th minute through Iván Salvador’s precise shot, answered promptly by Victor Osimhen.
While Nigeria had opportunities both before and after the deadlock, Owono’s exceptional saves, thwarting the Eagles on six occasions, played a pivotal role.
Owono earned the Man of the Match Award, and he proudly emphasized the team’s unity, stating, “We were not scared of Nigeria; the union of a team makes a difference.