International friendly: DR Congo hold Eagles in Port Harcourt

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a one-all draw by the Simbas of DR Congo in a friendly at the Adokie Amasiaemeka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday.
The Congolese cancelled out Troost-Ekong goal with a spot kick in the second half of the tie.
Gernot Rohr opted for Nigeria Professional Football League hotshot, Junior Lokosa, and Crotone of Italy striker, Simeon Nwankwo, to lead Nigeria’s attack, while stand-in in captain, Ogenyi Onazi, Joel Obi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Kelechi Iheanacho were in midfield.
Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, who retained his place in goal, got cover from Elderson Echiejile, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Tyronne Ebuehi.
Nwankwo’s early incursion to bang in a goal on his debut was denied by the cross bar.
Moments later, Nigeria shot into the lead through Troost-Ekong who connected a free kick in 14th minute of the tie.
Iheanacho almost increased the tally for Nigeria but failed to connect a pass in the 35th minute as scores remained one nil.
The visitors were on the front foot late in the first half but they were curtailed by Benfica’s new signing, Ebuehi, Troost-Ekong, Balogun and Echiejile as score stood at one nil at half time.
On resumption for the second half, Rohr brought on Mikel Agu, Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi for Iheanacho, Echiejile and Joel Obi.
The substitutions almost paid off as Simba Stars managed to keep Nwankwo’s flip on from rolling into the net.
From then on, the Crotone’s striker and Etebo become the nightmare of the visitors.
Kenneth Omeruo and Ahmed Musa also got a feel of the game when they both came on for Balogun and Lokosa in the second half.
Shehu Abdullahi also replaced Ebuehi who was withdrawn due to a knock.
The Congolese equalised from a spot kick after Ola Aina pulled down his opponent in the vital area in 77th minute of the tie.
Musa posed to be a threat but he was put at bay by the Congolese as the tie ended at one all.
The three-time African champions will jet out on Tuesday to keep a date with England in another friendly at Wembley Stadium on June 2.