Bunmi Ogunyale, Port Harcourt

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a one-all draw by Simbas of DR Congo in a friendly at the Adokie Amasiaemeka Stadium, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The Congolese cancelled Troost-Ekong goal with a spot kick in the second half of the tie to deny Gerhot Rohr his ninth win.

Gernot Rohr opted for NPFL hotshot, Junior Lo- kosa and Crotone of Italy striker, Simeon Nwankwo to lead Nigeria’s attack, while stand-in captain, Ogenyi Onazi, Joel Obi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Kelechi Iheanacho were in midfield.

Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, who retained his place in goal got cover from Elderson Echiejile, William TroostEkong, Leon Balogun and Tyronne Ebuehi.

Nwankwo’s early incur- sion to bang in a goal on his debut was denied by the cross bar.

Moments later, Nigeria shot into the lead through Troost-Ekong, who connect- ed a free kick in 14th minute of the tie.

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Iheanacho almost in- creased the tally, but failed to connect a pass in the 35th minute as scores remained one nil. The visitors were on the front foot late in the first half, but they were curtailed by Benfica’s new signing, Ebuehi, Troost-Ekong, Balogun and Echiejile, as score stood at one nil at half time.

On resumption for the second half, Rohr brought on Mikel Agu, Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi for Iheanacho, Echiejile and Joel Obi.

The substitutions almost paid off, as Simba Stars managed to keep Nwankwo’s flip on from rolling into the net.

From then on, the Croone’s striker and Etebo became the nightmare of the visitors.

Kenneth Omeruo and Ahmed Musa also got a feel of the game, when they both came on for Ba- logun and Lokosa in the second half.

The Congolese equalised from a spot kick after Ola Aina pulled down his opponent in the vital area in 77th minute of the tie.