Super Eagles Concede Late Goal To Draw Green Falcons

Nigeria commenced the match with a 4-4-2 formation, and manager José Peseiro introduced four changes from the previous lineup that beat Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 at The Nest of Champions, Uyo.

Victor Boniface was handed his first start, while Tyronne Ebuehi replaced Ola Aina, and Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi returned to the starting XI.

Nigeria displayed a bright start and created numerous opportunities to take the lead in the first half.

However, Peseiro was compelled to make his first substitution around the hour mark as Victor Osimhen sustained an injury and was replaced by Terem Moffi.

Salman Al-Faraj opened the scoring for Saudi Arabia in the 61st minute with a free-kick.

A dubious free kick was awarded to the Green Falcons after Calvin Bassey was adjudged by the referee to have fouled his man, and Francis Uzoho’s error would drag Roberto Mancini’s side into the lead from the resultant free kick.

The Super Eagles managed to equalize through an own goal by Abdulelah Al-Amri (73′), who was pressured into turning the ball into his own net by Boniface.

Then Kelechi Iheanacho put Nigeria ahead in the 81st minute after another brilliant counter attack move orchestrated by substitute Moses Simon, whose cut back was deflected onto the path of the in-form striker, and he wasted no time sending a curler past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia managed to secure a 2-2 draw with another free-kick by Mohamed Kanno in the 10th minute of added time, denying the three-time African champions a victory.