A late minute spot kick was all the African champions, the Indomitable Lions needed to force Nigeria to a one-all draw in the MatchDay 4 of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier at Stade Omnisport Amadou Ahidjo in Yaounde on Monday.
Cameroon skipper Vincent Aboubakar stepped up to cancel Moses Simon’s 30th minute goal.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa was impressive in goal for Nigeria as he started from where he stopped in Uyo with lot of brilliant saves.
The Cameroonians aim to save their national pride managed to control the game but their attempts at goal were thwarted by the Nigerian back line.
Against all expectations, it was Nigeria that shot into the lead through Genk’s midfielder, Simon who connected Odion Ighalo’s low drive.
Stunned by Nigeria’s lead, the Lions attacked the Nigeria’s vital area but their attempts were solidly neutralised by Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong solidity.
It however remained ding dong affair for the remainder of the first 45 minutes.
On resumption for the second half, the Lions were business-likely as they attempted to avoid the imminent embarrassment.
Despite their dexterity, Moses was denied a second goal of the night as his magical flick hits the cross bar in the 66th minute.
In the 73rd minute, Abubarkar leveled score for Cameroon from the spot in the 73rd minute after goalkeeper Ezenwa collided with an unrushing attacker.
Having enjoyed the $40,000 of Akwa State government for scoring four goals in Uyo, the Gernot Rohr side will this time pocket the sum of $20,000 for beating Cameroon by a lone goal.
Recall that businessman Aka Udofia offered the Super Eagles the sum of $20,000 for every goal scored against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in Yaounde.
The young and ebullient businessman from Akwa Ibom State made the promise as he briefly greeted players and officials inside the chartered ARIK Bombadier CRJ 1000 aircraft just before take –off at the Ibom International Airport, Uyo.
Nigeria will aim at keeping the group’s sole ticket when they host Chipolopolo of Zambia in their next World Cup qualifier in Uyo on 7th of October.
