Late Saudi strike denies Super Eagles a fourth straight victory

Super Eagles of Nigeria players — Credit: Icon Sport

Nigeria Super Eagles traded tackles with Saudi Arabia in an international friendly on Friday at the Portimao Municipal Stadium in Portugal.

After winning each of their last three games and scoring ten goals, the Super Eagles aimed to maintain their excellent form against Saudi Arabia.

However, Jose Peseiro's men failed to safeguard their lead after Iheanacho scored with ten minutes left to play and eventually conceded deep into added time to draw 2-2 with Saudi Arabia from a Mohamed Kanno's strike.

It's a wrap.

The Super Eagles share the spoils with the Green Falcons in Portugal.

The Asians with a late equaliser to draw things level after an impressive rally from Nigeria. An entertaining encounter all the same.#KSANGA | #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/vQOwtNxoQj

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) October 13, 2023

Let's delve into the game's summary!

Scoreless at the break

Victor Boniface got his first start for Nigeria as he partnered Osimhen and Chukwueze in attack for the Eagles.

Nigeria started well and they controlled the game early on with the first corner of the match going their way.

Osimhen with the first real chance to get the Eagles ahead after a brilliant cross from Onyemaechi in the 16th minute, but his strike went over the bar.

Minutes later, Boniface drew a decent save from Mohammed in goal as Nigeria got their first shot on target.

Around the 28th minute mark, a good pass from Osimhen found Lookman who missed the target.

Two minutes later, a beautiful run by the Super Eagles saw Bruno dink a cross which Chukwueze curled nicely but over the bar again.

And the Lookman had a great chance a few seconds to halftime but the Atalanta man side footed his effort wide!

The Eagles with all the action, shots and possession went to the break goalless in a half characterized by wastefulness.

Iheanacho spared Super Eagles' blushes but was not enough

Some minutes into the second half, Osimhen was replaced in what looked like an injury. Moffi came on for the Napoli hitman.

While Nigeria continued to probe for the opening goal, Saudi Arabia got their noses in front as Salman netted for Saudi in the 60th minute. The goal drew changes as Bright came on for Ebuehi, Iheanacho for Chukwueze and Simon for Lookman.

The substitutes turned the game on its head as Nigeria drew level thirteen minutes later, a wonderful combination by Bruno and Simon along with Boniface resulted in an own goal by Abdulelah.

Super Eagles celebrate goal — Credit: Icon Sport

The Super Eagles continued to push for the second goal and they got it from substitute Iheanacho who scored the second goal to put the Eagles ahead for the first time in the game with ten minutes left to play.

The Eagles saw off the last minutes of normal time! However, deep into added time, Saudi Arabia drew level to snatch victory away from Nigeria who had looked home and dry.

A victory denied in the last seconds of the game by Kanno capped up a disappointing show from the Super Eagles who lacked precision for most of the encounter. Although, it was an entertaining game.

For the Saudis, their run of six straight defeats finally ended, while Nigeria's three-game winning run got halted in disappointing fashion.