Nigeria’s Super Eagles tonight were held to a 0-0 draw by fellow 2019 AFCON qualifiers Zimbabwe in a match to prepare both teams for the big event in Egypt later this month.
The Eagles may have enjoyed a superior head-to-head record of 4-1-1, but it was the visitors at a rain-drenched Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba who looked more likely to score in the early exchanges.
However, it was Villarreal youngster Samuel Chukwueze, who forced the biggest save of the first half from the Zimbabwe goalkeeper, who fisted his dangerous curler from the edge of the box for a corner.
Alex Iwobi’s shot from inside the Warriors box soon after took a huge deflection to the relief of the visitors.
Timely clearances by Jamilu Collins and later resolute defending by Kenneth Omeruo would keep out the enterprising Warriors from Harare.
For Nigeria, skipper Mikel Obi was solid in defensive midfield with Chukwueze catching the eye with his exciting runs down the right wing.
In the second half, both teams created mainly half chances and it was not surprising when the contest ended without any goals to warm-up the appreciable crowd that had defied the heavy rains to watch this encounter.
Daniel Akpeyi – Jamilu Collins, Ola Aina (Chidozie Awaziem 46), Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo (William Ekong 46) – Mikel Obi (John Ogu 86), Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi – Samuel Chukwueze (Henry Onyekuru), Paul Onuachu (Victor Osimhen 64), Samuel Kalu (Ahmed Musa 46)
