Nigeria vs Saudi Arabia ends in 2-2 draw

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia played out a 2-2 draw in an International Friendly game at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in Portugal on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Nigeria came from a goal down to lead 1-2 heading to the final minutes but were denied a win when Mohamed Kanno’s stoppage time free-kick went in to seal a 2-2 draw.

It was the second meeting between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia at Full International level. The first, a World Cup preparatory game in May 2010, ended in a goalless draw with current Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Peseiro in charge of the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia for that game.

13-years later, both teams filed out again for another Friendly match in Portugal. The first half failed to produce any goal, but there were four moments of celebrations in the second forty-five minutes of football.

First, Saudi Arabia skipper Salman Al-Faraj curled in a free kick to open the scoring on the hour mark.

After the goal, Peseiro made three changes, Osayi-Samuel, Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon to spark a spell of sustained pressure on the Green Falcons’ goal to force Al-Amri to turn into his own net for 1-1, in the 73rd minute.

Eight minutes later, Nigeria went in front as Kelechi Iheanacho powered a stunning strike from outside the penalty area to put Nigeria ahead.

With the clock ticking away, Nigeria looked headed for a fourth consecutive win but Mohammed Kanno scored with a well taken free kick deep into stoppage time to force a 2-2 result.

Nigeria will next face Mozambique in another Friendly match at the same venue on Monday, October 16.