Iheanacho stole the show with a blinder in the second half, and it looked like the Super Eagles were set for a win until Kanno happened
Two second-half goals for Nigeria were not enough as Mohamed Kanno’s stoppage-time free-kick goal sealed a 2-2 draw for Saudi Arabia against Nigeria.
Three-time African champions Nigeria squared off against money bags Saudi Arabia at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in Portugal in one of their 2023 AFCON preparatory games.
Based on the quality on paper, Nigeria were slight favourites, but it did not go as planned.
Coach Jose fielded a strong lineup, with Osimhen leading the line and Iwobi controlling the show from midfield.
The Super Eagles had the bulk of the possession in the first half, but they were quite wasteful in front of goal. This ensured that they played out a goalless draw in the first half.
However, the Saudis started the second half with more verve, pushing and probing the Nigerian defence. Eventually, they got what they wanted.
Alex Iwobi committed a foul on the far right of Saudi Arabia’s attack, giving them an opportunity to swing the ball into the box.
Salman Al Faraj took responsibility for it and sent a wicked cross directly at Francis Uzoho, who failed to punch the ball away from goal but sent it into his own net.
However, after conceding, the Super Eagles increased their intensity. Osimhen was taken off for Terem Moffi after he sustained a knock in the 58th minute. Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Bright Osayi-Samuel all replaced Tyrone Ebuehi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman in the 65th minute, adding some bite to Nigeria’s attack.
Just eight minutes after his introduction, Simon combined well with Ndidi and sent a low cross into the box, which was attacked by Victor Boniface. Unfortunately for Abdulelah Al Amri, he got to the ball first, but he inadvertently kicked the ball into his own net to make it 1-1.
Nigeria increased the tempo after equalising, and they had the opportunity to go on a fast break. It looked like the opportunity had gone until a rebound fell to Kelechi Iheanacho, who planted a beautiful curler from distance into the net to give Nigeria the lead.
Saudi Arabia went on a late onslaught after the referee added 9 minutes of stoppages. It looked like Nigeria would claim the win, but they conceded a late free-kick after a foul just in front of the box.
Kanno took charge of the set-piece and struck a shot, which took a wicked deflection and beat Uzoho in Nigeria’s goal. That ensured the game ended 2-2.
It was Roberto Mancini’s first points as Saudi Arabia’s coach since he took over. Next up for Nigeria is a friendly against Mozambique on the 16th.
