International Friendly: Botswana’s Zebras Hold Super Eagles

Nigeria’s Super Eagles  managed a goalless draw against Zebras of Botswana in an international friendly match at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State on Saturday evening in what was coach Stephen Keshi’s first game in charge.

An enthusiastic crowd, who included Governor Adams Oshiomhole, turned up to cheer the Super Eagles to victory but were disappointed as the resolute, well-coordinated Zebras held their own in defence to ward off the hosts’ attack.

The Eagles, captained by Joseph Yobo,  found it hard to break down the Zebras with shots blocked by young Botswana’s goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe, even as the Nigerians had most of the possession throughout the game.

Ike Uche, Joel Obi and Fegor Ogude all saw their shots kept out by Dambe as rains poured down during the first half.

Fans in Benin then took to chanting and asking for a goal in the second half that saw series of changes made by both coaches.

Substitutes Brown Ideye, Chinedu Obasi and Ahmed Musa had opportunities saved toward the end of the game.
Midfielder Dickson Etuhu was voted man of the match.

Nigeria will next play Zambia on Tuesday, 15 November in Kaduna as they seek to rebuild after missing out of the 2012 Africa Cup