Football: Iheanacho's late goal puts Nigeria 1 – 1 Segenal in London

Gernot Rohr maintains his unbeaten run as Head Coach of the Nigeria national team after Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho converted a spot kick at the 88th minute to rescue the Super Eagles from the snare of the Senegal’s players in the London friendly match on Thursday. The Nigerian Captain for the match Ogenyi Onazi got injured during the encounter. Rohr picked the same back four that played against Algeria in the 2018 World Cup qualifier – Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun while South Africa based Daniel Akpeyi got the nod ahead of Ikechukwu Ezenwa to replace the injured Carl Ikeme. The Terenga Lions started Mame Diouf and Moussa Sow ahead of Liverpool’s talisman Saido Mane, who was named among the substitutes. Senegal pressed high up the pitch and made it difficult for the Eagles to find space but Simon Moses show good pace down the left flank but his cross failed to connect Kelechi Iheanacho through middle. There was an early blow for the Super Eagles as Trabzonspor midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi went down injured and was stretched off the pitch. Hapoel Beer Sheva star, John Ogu replaced him and played alongside Wilfred Ndidi in midfield. The game remained cagey as the first half finished goalless with no real threat from both sides. However, the second half busted into life as Fenerbahçe forward Moussa Sow beat Daniel Akpeyi in goal for Nigeria to make it 1-0. Eagles’ manager, Gernot Rohr, responded with two immediate substitutions as Oghenekaro Etebo and debutant Isaac Success came on for the duo of Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon. Liverpool’s forward, Saido Mane, also made his way into the game as he replaced Moussa Wague. But it was the Super Eagles that nearly forced a penalty as Musa was fouled on the edge of the box but the referee only gave a freekick. Musa came out worse from the tackle and was substituted for Kayode Olarenwaju. Shortly after Nigeria won a penalty Iheanacho stepped out and tucked the ball away to make it 1-1.