The Super Eagles begin their AFCON journey with a game against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday
Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations group stage opponents Equatorial Guinea have gotten a 12th-man boost, as the Vice-President of the country, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, has offered 200 free plane seats for fans who want to watch their game against the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria begin their AFCON campaign on January 14 with a game against Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara.
The stadium has a 60,012 capacity, and as the AFCON is in Ivory Coast, it may be a bit tough for fans from Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea to support their countries from the stadium.
In a related development, per Nuhu Adams, the Vice-President of Equatorial Guinea is sponsoring 200 fans to Ivory Coast to watch the game against Nigeria.
This could count greatly in their favour, as fans play a vital role in football games by cheering their players on or intimidating opponents with their jeers.
Nonetheless, the Super Eagles should have enough backing because Nigeria has a large community in Ivory Coast.
Because of their quality, the Super Eagles are slight favorites to win the tie. But Equatorial Guinea is a very stubborn side and could sting if coach Jose Peseiro does not get his tactics right.