Super Eagles Secure Goalless Draw In Swaziland

The Super Eagles battled to a goalless draw with Swaziland in a World Cup qualifier at the Somhlolo National Stadium on Friday night.

Sunday Oliseh’s men started the game brightly, albeit without creating any clear - cut scoring opportunities.

On 15 minutes, Odion Ighalo turned brilliantly just outside the penalty box and the Watford striker was about to pull the trigger but the  ball was cleared by a Swaziland defender.

At the other end, Mbabane Swallows midfielder Tony Tsabedze tested Carl Ikeme with a half volley from distance but it did not cause problems for the Wolves goalkeeper.

The breakthrough for the Super Eagles almost arrived on the 28th minute mark as the Super Eagles had three chances to score. A free - kick was first saved and Musa saw his effort saved as well before Mikel was adjudged offside.

On 33 minutes, Swaziland was gifted an opportunity to take the lead after a defensive blunder by Godfrey Oboabona but the striker fluffed his lines.

Both teams went into the break with the scoreboard reading 0 - 0 and though the Nigerians dominated possession, the hosts preferred to sit back and launch counter attacks.

Immediately after the restart, Ighalo shot when he was clear on goal after a defensive error by Dlamini but his effort sailed over the bar but it was Swaziland that came closer to a breakthrough in the 62nd minute and Ikeme was forced to make a save.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Obafemi Martins were introduced to help the Super Eagles attack spark into life in the last 23 minutes or so but the Swaziland defense could not be breached.

The second leg comes up at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, November 17, with the winner qualifying for the third round of qualifiers.