Posted on: 06:52 Fri, 25 Mar 2016



The Super Eagles of Nigeria conceded a late goal against the Pharaohs of Egypt to draw their AFCON qualifier 1-1 in Kaduna.

With the draw, the Eagles failed to boost their chances of featuring at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Gabon.

The first half of the AFCON qualifier, which
was played before a massive crowd of
supporters inside the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, had ended goalless with Nigeria taking a while to settle in the game.

Samson Siasia’s men eventually became
dominant, but lost key battles in the midfield, giving the Egyptians some confidence.

The second half started with the Super Eagles maintaining the pressure as they needed an outright win to overtake Egypt who led the qualifying group by two points.

Minutes after goalkeeper Carl Ikeme rescued Captain Mikel Obi from scoring an own goal, Nigeria got the lead.

Oghenekaro Etebo gave Nigeria the hard-fought
lead in the 59th minute, tucking in a rebound
from Kelechi Iheanacho that rattled the cross
bar.

Egypt’s El-Shenawy produced the masterclass
defending in the 81st minute with a touchline
clearance from second half substitute, Victor
Moses’ well taken attempt at goal off a layoff
from another substitute, Alex Iwobi.

The introduction of Moses and Iwobi seemed a perfect one sure to secure the match for the Eagles but it was heartbreak for Nigerians as Mohammed Salah leveled for Egypt after a moment of poor defending by Nigeria in the 90th minute.

The Eagles travel to Egypt in few days for the return leg.