MATCH REPORT: Iheanacho Late Strike Earns Draw For Nigeria Against Corsica XI

A dominant Super Eagles forced a Corsica XI to a 1-1 draw in a friendly game played inside the Stade Francois Coty, Ajaccio on Friday.

Corsica took an early lead through Jean-Jacques Mandrichifrom the penalty spot before Kelechi Iheanacho also converted from the penalty spot late in the game.

Tyronne Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem, Mikel Agu, Ibrahim Alhassan and Arsenal target Henry Onyekuru all made their unofficial debuts for the Super Eagles having been included in the starting 11.

MFM’s Stephen Odey, top scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League with 14 goals halfway through the season, and Sikiru Olatunbosun also made their bows for the Eagles after coming on in the second half.

The friendly is part of the Eagles’ preparation towards their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in Uyo in June 10.

Corsica got off to a perfect start after Jean-Jacques Mandrichi converted a penalty in the fifth minute after new Super Eagles defender, Tyrone Ebuehi, making his debut in this game, was adjudged to have handled the ball inside his area.

The Eagles had their own chances, but Henry Onyekuru, Ahmed Musa and Alhassan Ibrahim missed very good chances to draw the Super Eagles level.

But in the second half, the Super Eagles continued to dominate possession but weren’t making any headway in terms of breaking down the Corsica defence. The introduction of Stephen Odey did appear to have some impact as the MFM striker forced the Corsica goalkeeper into a save.

But the equalizer wouldn’t come until the 80th minute, when Iheanacho converted from the spot after a Nigerian player was brought down inside the Corsica 18-yard box.

But despite their overwhelming dominance, the Super Eagles failed to make it count as the game ended in a stalemate.

The Eagles next friendly game is against Togo on Thursday, June 1, in Paris.