The Super Eagles played out a lively 1-1 draw with Tunisia on Tuesday night at the Jacques Lemans Arena in Austria.
Tunisia had more possession of the ball in the opening stages but could not penetrate the Nigerian defense.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored from the game’s first real chance in the 21st minute when he calmly controlled Ahmed Musa’s flick with his back to goal before turning to find space and fired home.
Seven minutes later, Ahmed Musa was brought down in the box by the Tunisian goalkeeper. Iheanacho failed to add to the lead when his spot-kick was saved.
Tunisia got a deserved equaliser late in the first half when the energetic Hamza Rafia found space in the box to tee up Mohamed Draeger.
The second half saw both teams search for a winner that would prove elusive. Nigeria will turn attention to a doubleheader against Sierra Leone in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
Nigerian players ratings:
Maduka Okoye 6.8
Didn’t had much to do but was attentive when called to action. Had no chance for Tunisia’s equaliser. Another bright game for the young goalkeeper.
Kevin Akpoguma: 6.4
Started his full debut at right-back before switching to the centre in the second half. Was guilty with a few misplaced passes.
Kenneth Omeruo: 6.2
Started the match brightly before switching off. Could have done better to prevent the opposition’s goal.
Leon Balogun: 7
Sound performance from the Rangers man. Coped with the pace of the game before being substituted in the second half.
Zaidu Sanusi: 6.7
The left back was full of running. Shut out Tunisia’s attack from the right but was wayward at times going forward. Needs more composure.
Sami Ajayi: 5.8
Struggled for much of the game in a position he isn’t synonymous to. Lost possession of the ball on many occasions.
Alex Iwobi: 6.4
His pass to Ahmed Musa resulted to Nigeria’s penalty. Other than that, the player didn’t do much to create chances for his teammates in the attacking third.
Samuel Chukwueze: 6.3
Was quiet in the first period. Started the second half with much enthusiasm before being taken off.
Simon Moses: 6.2
Started on the left flank. Connected well with Sanusi in the first half. Was largely anonymous in the second.
Ahmed Musa: 6.7
Played through the middle behind the main striker. Assisted Nigeria’s lone goal and won the penalty which Iheanacho failed to convert. Decent outing from the captain.
Kelechi Iheanacho: 7
His presence was felt. Linked up well with his teammates and scored a sublime goal. Should have added a second from the penalty spot but saw his kick saved.
Substitute:
Chidera Awaziem(Leon Balogun): 4
Conceded multiple fouls when he came on.
Jamilu Collins(Zaidu Sanusi): N/A
Didn’t had much to do
Cyriel Dessers(Ahmed Musa): N/A
Made his long-awaited national team bow on the night. Could have scored late on.
Chidera Ejuke(Samuel Chukwueze): 5.5
Another debutant. The CSKA Moscow man thrilled in a brief cameo. In an instant, he completed more dribbles than every player on the pitch.
