Nigeria 0 Zimbabwe 0 : Eagles Held To A Goalless Draw By Warriors In Rainy Conditions

Published: June 08, 2019

Nigeria posted a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in the first of their pre-AFCON tournament tune-up games in rainy conditions at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Saturday evening.

Coach Gernot Rohr trialed out new strategies and tactics enforced by some uncertainties, handing Daniel Akpeyi the gloves while Kenneth Omeruo partnered Leon Balogun in central defence.

In a game which saw skipper Mikel Obi return to the starting XI, Ola Aina, Samuel Chukwueze and Samuel Kalu where also handed starting berths in the tepid clash.

The Villarreal starlet came the closest to opening scoring for Nigeria in a game of few first half chances while full-back, Jamilu Collins also saw an effort go wide of the mark.

Chidozie Awaziem, Ahmed Musa, William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Henry Onyekuru and John Ogu all entered the fray in the second half as Nigeria toiled to break down their resilient visitors in less stellar fashion.

The Super Eagles will come up against Senegal in Dakar in another friendly encounter before they kick-start their AFCON campaign.

Nigeria Starting XI : Akpeyi; Collins, Balogun, Omeruo, Aina; Mikel, Etebo, Iwobi; Samuel Kalu, Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze

Emmanuel Chinaza