Jean-Jacques Mandrichi’s early goal gave the hosts hope of a victory, but the Manchester City man levelled proceedings from the penalty spot
A second-rate Nigeria performance was rescued by Kelechi Iheanacho, who netted the side’s only goal to earn a 1-1 draw against Corsica in Friday’s friendly game.
Jean-Michel Cavalli’s men were on course for a famous victory at Stade Francois Coty, but the Manchester City forward showed his quality with the leveller to end the rip-roaring contest a goal apiece.
The Super Eagles fell behind after just five minutes when 32-year-old Jean-Jacques Mandrichi scored from the penalty spot after Tyronne Ebuehi had handled the ball in the penalty area.
Debutant Henry Onyekuru then missed a sitter three minutes later after being sent through one-on-one by a brilliant pass from Ahmed Musa.
Ibrahim Al Hassan, Iheanacho and Musa all failed to beat the excelling Nicolas Penneteau, though, as the Charleroi goalkeeper pulled off a string of fine saves.
Substitute Stephen Odey could have pulled one back early in the second half after an intelligent ball from Iheanacho, only for the forward to mishit his shot and fire wide.
Iheanacho at last got his goal with ten minutes left to play; converting from the penalty spot after Oghenekaro Etebo was upended in the opponents’ penalty area.
Penneteau continued to frustrate the Super Eagles, pulling off a superb reflex to prevent Gernot Rohr’s men from securing a win.
The three time African champions take on Togo at the Stade Municipal de Saint Leu La Foret in Paris as they put finishing touches to their preparations ahead June’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.
Goal.com
