The Flying Eagles were harried by the Ukrainians in the opening minutes who deployed a pressing game to deny them of any space and time on the ball.

Zilkifilu Rabiu's 8th minute cross shot almost deceived Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin but somehow the Real Madrid goalkeeper plucked the ball.

Bournemouth's Ofoborh who had a good first half was on hand to clear a dangerous ball into the Nigerian box by Ihor Snurntsyn.

Ukrainian forward Danylo Sikan scored his team's goal in the 30th minute as he headed home a tantalising cross by Oleksil Kashchuk.

In the 45th minute the Nigerian team were handed a lifeline to restore parity. Tijani Muhamed's initial shot was blocked but he was then fouled by Aleksandr Safronov. The Nigerian striker's effort was tame and saved by the keeper.

Defender Denys Popov was yellow carded and Nigeria awarded a second penalty in the 51st minute after the referee Diego Rapallini consulted the VAR and awarded the Africans for a handball as Tijani Muhamed struck the ball inside the box.

The striker scored from his effort to equalise.

Five minutes later Maxwell Effiom saw yellow for a foul on an Ukrainian player after the referee made a quick dash on the monitor as VAR showed there was an infringement.

Makanjuola's corner kick in the 76th minute was almost dipping into the Ukrainian net but Lunin tipped the ball over the bar for another corner this time delivered by Nnamdi Ofoborh.

Makanjuola who had suffered a cramp was replaced by Peter Eletu with three minutes to the end of the game.

The Flying Eagles'  increased attacking verve did not yield another goal as both sides settled for a draw.