Nigeria’s Flying Eagles drew 2-2 on Monday with Club Africain in their last warm-up game in Tunisia before they depart for the African Youth Championship in Algeria.
The African U20 champions looked ready for battle as they gave as much as they got from the 12-time Tunisian champions.
Late addition to the squad, Olanrewaju Kayode, gave the Nigeria U20s the lead after 34 minutes when he jabbed home from inside the six-yard box after a great build-up play.
Hosts, Club Africain, drew level a minute after the interval.
Left back, Aliyu Goyi, came close to giving the Flying Eagles a second lead on 52 minutes, but his low shot from distance missed target narrowly.
Club Africain, which played its first team instead of the advertised U20 side, then went in front on the hour from the penalty spot after Goyi handled the ball inside his box.
In the 65th minute, substitute Alhaji Gero could not put away a fine chance created by the exciting Edafe Egbedi.
However, five minutes later, the Flying Eagles deservedly restored parity when razor-sharp Kayode rounded up the Club Africain’s goalkeeper before he slotted home.
Kayode was denied a hat-trick on 75 minutes when his effort was cleared off the goal line.
Gero suffered an injury when he was kicked on the head by his Tunisian marker in the dying moments of the game.
The Flying Eagles will fly out to Algiers on Wednesday afternoon.
They will be in Oran the following day.
Their opening Group B match will be on March 17 against Mali.
Kick-off is 5.30pm local time, which is 3.30 Nigerian time.
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