A 2022 World Cup playoffs between the Super Eagles and Ghana is now delicately poised after both teams played out an absorbing scorelss draw tonight in Kumasi.
However, this stalemate will have to be broken on Tuesday in Abuja to determine the team to advance to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The main talking point from The Jollof Derby was a penalty incident against the Black Stars in the 75th minute was overruled by VAR after Baba Idrissu appeared to have been upended before he handled the ball inside his box.
Home team Ghana started the stronger inside a packed 40,000-capacity Baba Yara Stadium, but the Super Eagles somehow weathered the storm to finish the first half strongly.
Leon Balogun had to bring all his wealth of experience to bear in the 15th minute, when he perfectly timed his tackle to stop a dangerous Ghana counter attack.
The lively winger Isshiaku Fatawu then forced a big save from Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho in the 33rd minute, when he blocked a goal-bound rocket shot for a corner.
In the 41st minute, Joe Aribo drove into the Ghana vital area to get to the end of an Ola Aina through ball, but he shot wide off target when he was clear on goal.
Moses Simon was denied from almost point-blank range by the sprawling Ghana goalkeeper Walcott in the 55th minute.
It was Nigeria’s best chance up till this point.
Mohammed Kudu weaved his way to shoot at Nigeria goal in the 71st minute, but Uzoho dived full length to tip the low shot for a corner.
Both teams cancelled themselves out in the closing moments of the contest.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Ghana – Francis Uzoho – Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi (Calvin Bassey 74), William Ekong, Leon Balogun – Innocent Bonke (Oghenekaro Etebo 64), Joe Aribo (Frank Onyeka 58) – Moses Simon (Ademola Lookman 74), Samuel Chukwueze (Emmanuel Dennis 58), Kelechi Iheanacho – Victor Osimhen
