NEWS DIGEST– Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, played a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão, Portugal on Friday night. The Nigerian side had trailed by a goal in the second half, but they managed to bounce back, profiting from an own goal by Al-Amri and a great strike from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho. However, a late equalizer from Kanno prevented Jose Peseiro’s men from winning in the Saudi coach Roberto Mancini’s first game in charge.
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The match occurred a day after the Eagles were scheduled to compete in the African Cup of Nations 2023. In a show of attacking intent, Peseiro started with Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface upfront, but there were limited half chances throughout the first half. The best chance of the half came late on when Ademola Lookman missed a pass from Samuel Chukwueze, sending his effort wide.
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In the second half, the Saudis became more aggressive, knocking on their opponents’ defence until their efforts paid off in the 60th minute. Al-Faraj provided a corner kick from the right-hand side, and instead of Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho parrying it off, he accidentally deflected it into his goal.
Thirteen minutes later, Nigeria found the equalizer as Moses Simon pulled the ball in for Victor Boniface, who poked the ball in, deflected off Al Amri for an own goal. The Eagles surged ahead thanks to a powerful strike by substitute Kelechi Iheanacho on the edge of the box.
