The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced off against the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in a friendly match on Friday at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in Portugal.
The game ended in a 2-2 draw, with neither team securing a win.
Despite having several opportunities to take the lead in the first half, the Super Eagles failed to convert their chances, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze all missing their opportunities.
In the second half, the Saudis took a surprise lead through a free-kick taken by Salman Al Faraj, which unfortunately deflected into the net off Francis Uzoho.
In the 73rd minute, the Super Eagles managed to equalize thanks to a goal scored by Victor Boniface, which initially seemed to be his first Nigeria goal from a tight angle.
However, it was later adjudged to be an own goal by the Saudi Arabian team.
Eight minutes later, Kelechi Iheanacho drove the ball into the net to give Nigeria the lead after Moffi and Simon combined to put the opposing defence in knots.
However, with seconds remaining in the nine minutes of added time, Saudi Arabia profited from a free-kick to draw level, with Mohamed Kanno’s shot deflecting into the net.
The Super Eagles had several opportunities to score in the first half, with Boniface, Osimhen, and Lookman all coming close.
Onyemaechi’s low cross from the left almost found Osimhen, but the striker could not direct the ball towards the goal.
Chukwueze’s curler went just wide of the post, denying Nigeria a crucial goal.
Despite their missed chances, the Super Eagles continued to create opportunities and were almost rewarded in the first half.
In the second half, Osimhen was substituted due to injury, with Terem Moffi replacing him.
Saudi Arabia took advantage of the situation and scored through Salman Al Faraj’s free-kick, which unfortunately deflected into the net off Francis Uzoho.
Nigeria continued to create chances, with Boniface and Iwobi attempting shots on goal.
The equalizer came in the 73rd minute, with Simon’s cross being deflected into the net by a Saudi Arabian player.
Nigeria took the lead in the 81st minute through Iheanacho’s well-placed shot.
However, Saudi Arabia managed to draw level in the game’s dying minutes, thanks to Kanno’s deflected free-kick.
The Super Eagles will play against the Mambas of Mozambique in another friendly encounter on Monday, before facing Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
