Keshi kicks off with draw

Debutant Nosa Igiebor hit the crossbar in the second half, while Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu, back in the Eagles after he was overlooked since the last World cup in South Africa, was voted the man of the match. The second half was more like the first half, the Eagles attacking while the Zebras holding their […]

Debutant Nosa Igiebor hit the crossbar in the second half, while Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu, back in the Eagles after he was overlooked since the last World cup in South Africa, was voted the man of the match.

The second half was more like the first half, the Eagles attacking while the Zebras holding their own back in defence with occasional breakaways.

The host team controlled the first half but the Zebras defended very well, literally putting their bodies on the line of duty.

Nigeria created no less than five clear-cut chances in the first period but somehow could not put away any of them.

In the 31st minute, Ike Uche was set up by older brother Kalu inside the box only for the 18-year-old Botswana goalkeeper Kabelo Adam to deny him with a point-blank save.

Minutes later, Joel Obi saw his header miss target narrowly, before Fengor Ogude’s shot from outside the box was held firmly by the goalkeeper.