Saudi Arabia managed to salvage a losing situation with a 2-2 draw against the Super Eagles in a friendly match, courtesy of a late goal on Friday.
After Nigeria’s initial setback, Kelechi Iheanacho’s entrance as a substitute shifted the momentum, only to be shut off by a late free-kick from the Saudis, leaving the match with a draw.
The Super Eagles’ hopes were raised by the Leicester City forward’s 81st-minute goal against the Middle East side in Portugal, but Nigeria ultimately couldn’t clinch the victory.
A mishandled corner kick by goalkeeper Francis Uzoho at the hour-mark allowed the Green Falcons to claim the lead as they capitalized on the mistake.
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A quick 13-minute turnaround saw the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper fend off a sharp strike from Victor Boniface, restoring balance for Jose Peseiro’s squad.
Thirsting for victory, Nigeria intensified their assault with relentless attacks. Substitution Iheanacho, who came in for Samuel Chukwueze in the 64th minute, seized a loose ball at the edge of the box, driving it to the top-left corner of the net. Nigeria takes the lead.
However, the Super Eagles gave away a crucial free-kick just outside the box during the dying moments of added time. The ensuing strike took a deflection off a Nigerian player, resulting in a draw for Roberto Mancini’s team.
Up next, Nigeria is scheduled to face off against Mozambique in their next friendly encounter on Monday, in preparation for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Ahead of the Friday fixture, Nigeria was drawn into Group A of the 2023 AFCON, where they were set to confront hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea. In the previous tournament held in the neighbouring Cameroon, the Super Eagles were eliminated in the round of 16.
With a record of three wins in the tournament, Peseiro’s charges are determined to secure a fourth title as the competition kicks off at the beginning of next year.