International friendly: Ukraine force Eagles to a draw

International friendly: Ukraine force Eagles to draw

By Sampson Adedeji

The much awaited international friendly match between Nigeria's Super Eagles and their counterparts from Ukraine ended 2-2 at the Dnipro Arena, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

Despite playing at home, Nigeria were able to contain the Ukrainian who was still basking their 3-0 win secured against Lithuania in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

It was a debut to remember for newly invited Joe Aribo who opened the scoring early in the first stanza after a fine footwork from Girondin Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu.

Kalu was again brought down halfway in the first stanza after slicing through the Ukrainian defence.

Lille inform striker Victor Osimhen stepped up and dispatched the ball beautifully to give the Africans the 2-0 goal lead going into the dressing room.

The home side returned the better side in the second stanza but despite that the trio of Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Osimhen failed to increase Nigeria tally, missing begging chances.

Manchester city defender Zinchenko half the scores in the 74th minute before the Ukrainian scored another controversial goal again few seconds later.

Apart from goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, the newly invited players Aribo, Josh Maja and Anderson Esiti all played their part in the game.