Nigeria unable to beat Saudi Arabia in international friendly

Alba Romero 1 year ago 14.5k |

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Nigeria draw 2-2 against Saudi Arabia in Portugal on Friday. EFE

Although Nigeria had the upper hand to win this friendly, Mohamed Kanno scored the equaliser in the 100th minute to end the match in a 2-2 draw.

Nigeria started the friendly pressing high and creating chances at the Portimao stadium in Portugal. But Saudi Arabia's rock solid defence kept them at bay in the first half.

Jose Peseiro's men dominated the first period as they got two corner-kicks in less than 20 minutes and came close to scoring the opener several times. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen was expected to break the deadlock in the 17th minute after a superb pass from Samuel Chukwueze but missed the target.

As a result, French manager Herve Renard made two changes at half-time and they took effect as they netted the opener in the 60th minute. Al-Hilal midfielder Salman Al-Jaraf opened the scoring in the 60th minute after a free-kick but the match was restarted just 13 minutes later.

But the encounter was not to end that way for the Super Eagles. Victor Osimhen's Nigeria were able to come from behind due to an own goal from Al-Amri. Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho revived the visitors' hopes of winning the friendly in the 81st minute when he made it two.

However, Mohammed Kanno managed to score in the 100th minute as Saudi Arabia earned a free-kick 25 yards from goal. Despite Nigeria's best efforts, they were unable to win Friday's friendly.