Breaking!  Mighty Brazil holds Nigeria to 1-1 draw, Aribo score again for Eagles

Harry Awurumibe, Abuja.

Super Eagles of Nigeria was today held to a 1-1 draw by Mighty Selcao of Brazil in an Invitational friendly match played at Singapore National Stadium in Kallang.

The game is the last of a two-game Brazil Global Tour in Singapore.

Brazil had three days ago played out another gruelling 1-1 draw in Singapore with the best ranked African team in the world, Teranga Lions of Senegal parading Liverpool’s danger man, Sadio Mane.

But against Nigeria, Coach Tite’s led Brazil were stunned  in the 35th minute of game when Moses Simon played in Joseph Aribo in the opponents box and he dribbled both a defender and the Brazilian goalkeeper, Ederson to score.

However, Casimero’s close range tap in after the ball rebounded of Nigeria’s crossbar gifted Brazil the equalizer in the 47^th minute.

Both the Brazilian coach, Tite and Gernot Rohr of Nigeria made as many changes in the match with Brazil’s super star, Neymar Jnr. being the first to be changed early in the first half no thanks to an injury worry. Phillipe Courtinho took the place of Neymar Jnr.

Rohr on his own made a couple of changes even as injury to magnificent Francis Uzoho in goal gave youngster, Maduka Okoye his needed first cap for Nigeria. Other new entrants were Emmanuel Dennis, Paul Onuachu and Abdulahi Shehu who replaced Victor Osihmen, Moses, Peter Olayinka who took the place of Samuel Chukwueze.

Rohr also withdrew Alex Iwobi for Ramon Azeez with just seven minutes remaining as Chukwueze came close to restoring Nigeria’s lead on 86th minute with a rising strike from the near post but Brazil keeper, Ederon gathered on second attempt.

All efforts by the ‘Samba Boys’ to win the match faded as the Singaporean match referee’s whistle brought the game to the end after five minutes of the added time.  Full time: Nigeria 1-1 Brazil.