The Super Eagles of Nigeria forced Corsica to a 1-1 draw in a friendly game decided at the Stade François Coty, Ajaccio.
Nigeria went behind after debutant Tyronne Ebuehi handled in the box as early as the 5th minute in his attempt to clear a cross in the box. Jean Jacques Mandrichi buried the resultant penalty pass Ikechukwu Ezenwa to put Corsica ahead.
Super Eagles went in search of an equaliser, with debutant Mikel Agu pulling the strings from the middle and his pass set Ahmed Musa free, but his well weighted lay was wasted by another debutant Henry Onyekuru with the goalkeeper at his mercy.
Nigeria continue to dominate the game with Oghenekaro Etebo and Musa proving too much to handle for the French Island, particularly Musa whose pace troubled the left back of Corsica.
However Nigeria’s next chance didn’t come from Musa rather from captain Elderson Echiejile who took up a winger’s postion from his role as left back to whip in a telling cross which was headed wide by another debutant Alhassan Ibrahim.
Alhassan popularly referred to as Mu’azam headed wide from close range with the goalkeeper beaten, and ten minutes after his miss his shot was spilled by the Corsica shot stopper but Musa failed to tap home the rebound.
Etebo also came close, while Onyekuru had a half chance to help Nigeria draw level but it wasn’t to be the case as Corsica went into the break leading Nigeria 1-0.
The Nigerian team resumed the second half with same vigour which they ended the first with Kelechi Iheanacho coming to live more than he did in the first half.
Nigeria’s first chance of the second half fell to another debutant in Stephen Odey who came in for Alhassan, and his effort brought out a fine save from the Corsica goalkeeper.
Odey looked lively and his combination with Etebo paved the way for Iheanacho to have a pop at goal which was also well saved by the goalkeeper of Corsica.
Etebo tried his luck from range, while Ebuehi’s cross narrowly missed Onyekuru who was bearing down on goal few minutes to the 80th minute as Nigeria go in search of a leveller.
Ten minutes to the end of the game, Etebo made his characteristics strong run before he was fell in the box, and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot.
Iheanacho tucked home the resultant penalty to help the Super Eagles protect their unbeaten run under coach Gernot Rohr ahead of June 1st where they are expected to take on Togo in another friendly game.
Michael James
