Super Eagles manage a draw against Brazil

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Oct 13, 2019. 18:17

Nigeria took the lead but were unable to hold on for a famous victory but will still be satisfied with a 1-1 draw on Sunday against five-time world champions Brazil in Singapore.

Joe Aribo opened the scoring for Nigeria after 36 minutes when he ran on to a pass from Moses Simon in a solid start for the Super Eagles in their second ever meeting with Brazil.

The goal was set up by Victor Osimhen who provide a cross in from the right, met by Simon, who, in turn, found unmarked Aribo to score.

Aribo has to skip past his man before turning past Paris St Germain defender Marquinhos and finish with confidence.

It was a second goal in a second international appearance for the Scottish-based midfielder, who was born in England.

Brazil equalised through Real Madrid defensive midfielder Casemiro in the 48th minute but their showing was overshadowed by injury to Neymar, who lasted just 12 minutes and was seen icing his thigh after being replaced.

The 27-year-old was making his 101st appearance for Brazil.

Skipper Dani Alves’ cross from the right was headed on to the bar by Marquinhos, and Casemiro was on hand to sweep home the rebound.

Brazil then peppered their opponents’ goal with shots as substitute Richarlison struck the woodwork twice, while both Nigeria goalkeepers – Francis Uzoho and debutant Maduka Okoye – also made crucial stops to deny the Selecao.

The five-time world champions knew it was not to be their night when Coutinho’s goal-bound shot was miscleared by Semi Ajayi on the line and into the grateful arms of Okoye in the 86th minute.

Samuel Chukwueze then fired straight at Ederson from a tight angle in the next minute, but world No. 34 Nigeria will be pleased with their first draw against Brazil after a 3-0 defeat in 2003.

This was the second game for Brazil in Singapore this week after a 1-1 draw with Senegal on Thursday.