Kelechi Iheanacho on Thursday in London scored a late goal to deny the Teranga Lions of Senegal a famous victory against the Super Eagles in an international friendly.
An 82nd minute penalty kick scored by Iheanacho helped Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw in their friendly encounter at the Hives Stadium.
Moussa Sow had given the Teranga Lions an early second half lead in the 53rd minute, but they could not hold on for a victory over the Super Eagles.
Senegal were dominant in the midfield, with Idrissa Gueye presiding over it all with calm and quality.
But Sow upfront was far less mobile than Mane, and looked very ordinary until Daniel Akpeyi dropped a 53rd minute corner kick into his path for the opening goal.
Iheanacho did get two glorious chances to score, scuffing a shot across the goal from 18 yards, and then somehow prodding wide from point blank range.
He managed to redeem himself with 10 minutes to go, gliding onto a through-ball before being brought down by Pape Ndiaye, and rising to convert the penalty kick for the equaliser.
It was probably deserved, if only for Iheanacho’s persistent running.
He might even have won it with a snapshot wide in stoppage time, but neither side really did enough to win the game, or to entertain the sparse crowd.
When Sadio Mane came on, replacing debutant Opa Nguette, he earned the largest cheer of the night, bringing more excitement than either goal.
While he may not have actually contributed much on the pitch, it was the Liverpool man alone who provided any buzz around the Hive.
The Super Eagles will now look forward to their next friendly game against Burkina Faso in four days time.
9News Nigeria
