Nigeria’s Super Eagles began the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on a disappointing after playing out a scoreless draw with Rwanda on Monday.
With other Group C opponent, Libya, earlier thrashing Equatorial Guinea 3-0, Salisu Yusuf team were expected to stroll past the Amavubi.
But that wasn’t to be at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangiers, Morocco.
Despite a slow start, the Eagles pushed forward and hit the crossbar through Adelemi Faleye in the 10th minute with a header.
Coach Salisu Yusuf’s men did all the right things in the match, but their decision making in the final third left a lot to be desired as Stephen Eze and Faleye missed two clear-cut opportunities.
In the 40th minute, however, Rabiu Ali struck the crossbar with a fantastic strike from a long distance.
The Nigerians scored in the 58th minute through Eze after they were awarded a set piece, but it was disallowed for offside.
Towards the last 20 minutes, the Amavubi grew in confidence and Eric Rutanga saw his curling effort from a set piece missing the top right corner by inches.
With just 10 minutes to play, Nigeria was unlucky not to score as Eze saw his well-taken header coming off the left post once again.
There were no goals as the clash ended goalless.
The stalemate means former champions, Libya, remain top of the group followed Nigeria and Rwanda.
Next up for Yusuf’s team is a make or break clash with the North Africans on Friday.
