Not lackluster, but just not enough as the Democratic Republic of Congo held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Monday.
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William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria the lead in the first half via an assist by Iheanacho, however in the second half of the game Ngulubi squared the scores out for DR Congo from the penalty spot.
The game which was Nigeria’s send-off before they travel to England later today saw Super Eagles debutantes, Simy Nwankwo and Junior Lokosa, leave a rather good impression in the heart of Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr.
Four minutes into the game, Crotone striker, Nwankwo paved way for a clean goal only to see his brilliantly crafted foot-work hit the bar.
11 minutes later, the Super Eagles took the lead as William Troost Ekong shot past Congolese keeper Mossi Ngawi Anthony after Iheanacho tipped a cleverly taken free-kick by Ogenyi Onazi towards the Brighton player who wasted no time in hitting the back of the net.
The following minutes saw Nigeria try hard to double the lead but like every other shot that followed, the Congolese keeper guarded his post well, blocking each shot that came his way.
Into the second half, the Simbas enjoyed ball possession, and in the 78 minute Ngulubi made a good finish off a penalty to level the scores after Aina fouled a Congo player.
Nigeria tried to take back the lead, but DR Congo ensured they held their ground till the very last minute.
The match was part of Nigeria’s pre-world cup preparations, and the Super Eagles have two more before their first game in Russia.
The Nigeria senior men’s team will face-off England at the Wembley Stadium on June 4, then proceed to Australia to take-on Czech Republic on June 10.
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