Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon suffered a massive setback on Friday, when they failed to beat the Pharaohs of Egypt at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt, who still stay on top of group G with seven points and host Nigeria in a reverse fixture in Alexandria on Tuesday.
AS Roma striker Mohamed Salah strikes as Egypt hold Super Eagles to draw in Kaduna
Super Eagles caretaker coach, Samson Siasia paraded an attacking line-up, which saw Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Simon Moses and Ahmed Musa all start, but the Super Eagles failed to test the visitors in the first half.
However, their second-half display was much more impressive, with Manchester City wonderkid Iheanacho troubling the Egyptians defense down the left. His shot came off the crossbar for Warri Wolves midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo to tap in the opener for Nigeria.
Debutant Alex Iwobi slipped in Victor Moses, but the West Ham winger saw his effort stopped on the link after rounding the goalkeeper.
Three minutes before the end of the game, Mohamed Salah was afforded time and space to beat Carl Ikeme and level the game.
With the draw, the Eagles failed to boost their chances of featuring at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Gabon.
Seven-time African champions, Egypt still lead Group G with 7 points from three matches, while Nigeria now have 5 points, two points behind with only the overall group winners guaranteed automatic passage to Gabon 2017.
Nigeria face a daunted task in Alexandria as they take on Egypt on Tuesday in a must win encounter.
Tanzania are third in the group with four points. While Chad have no point at all.
The Super Eagles will now have to win their remaining two away games to Egypt and Tanzania if they must qualify from the group.
Anthony Nlebem
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