Nigeria holds Brazil to 1-1 draw in international friendly match

The Super Eagles of  Nigeria, today in faraway  Singapore’s National Stadium, drew 1-1 with the Samba Boys of Brazil.

The match was an international friendly game played between the two teams and one that prepares the Super Eagles for their upcoming AFCON qualifying against Togo on Friday.

Though not a competitive game, both teams want the best possible outcome for their team, especially for Brazil who couldn’t beat Senegal during their encounter on Thursday, 10th October 2019. In that game, the COPA American champions also drew 1-1 with Senegal in a game that was also played in Singapore. So effectively, Brazil has played consecutive 1-1 draw with two African teams. Not sure that was the result they were looking for.

As for Nigeria, the draw no doubt is a morale booster for a team that was trashed 1-4 by Togo in their last qualifying match for the 2020 African Nations Championship (Chan).

In today’s match, it was super Eagle’s newcomer, Joe Aribo, who opened the scoring in the 35th minute of play after he slotted the ball past Manchester City’s Ederson Santana de Moraes.

That goal by @J_Aribo19. #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong #BRANGA pic.twitter.com/XchBBlqW2j

— ?? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 13, 2019

Brazil equalized early in the second half in the 48th minute through Real Madrid’s Carlos Henrique Casemiro.

However, though the Brazilians dominated possession -70% – they were unable to close out the game as the Super Eagles held them off. In addition, Brazil captain Neymar Jnr limped off suffered an injury and limped off the game during the 12th minute of the first half. It is not yet been revealed the extent of his injury.

As for Aribo, this is his second match for the Super Eagles and he has scored in both games. His first appearance for Nigeria was during Nigeria vs Ukraine friendly in September. He scored the opening goal through an Alex Iwobi assist for a game that ended 2-2. Aribo, who plays for Glasgow Rangers, Scotland is consequently enjoying a fine start to his international football career. He is currently being celebrated by Nigerians and his name is currently trending at number 2 on Nigeria Twitter trends.

Congratulations to the Super Eagles!