The Super Eagles yesterday narrowly escaped defeat in the hands of resilient Leone Stars who came back from four goals to draw 4-4 with the three-time African champions in the 2021 AFCON qualifier decided at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City.
In a match of two halves, the Super Eagles dominated proceeding in the first half following a brace from Everton man, Alex Iwobi and a goal each from Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen and Villarreal of Spain Wonderkid Samuel Chukwueze.
However, that was how far the Gernot Rohr tutored side could go as they totally surrendered second half proceedings to their less illustrious opponents from Sierra Leone who stunned them with three beautifully taken goals to earn the vital draw.
Leone stars resurgence started in the 41st minute of the match when ball watching Super Eagles defenders allowed Kwame Quee walk throw their defence to score the first goal for the visitors.
And on resumption, Rohr introduced Semi Ajayi for Leon Balogun and Kelechi Iheancho for Captain Ahmed Musa but things moved from bad to worse for the Eagles as they lost Osimhen to injury early.
Meanwhile, as the Super Eagles continued with their lacklustre approach to the match, the Leone Stars gained more confidence and went on a scoring spree.
Al-Hadji Wright scored the second goal for his side in the 72nd minute just as Mustapha Bundu made it three in the 80th minute.
With the Super Eagles in complete disarray, Al-Hadji Karama then released the killer punch in the 86th minute to seal the historic draw for the Leone Stars.
The Super Eagles will fly to Freetown on Monday for Tuesday’s return leg clash with the Leone Stars at the Siaka Stevens Stadium.
