The Super Eagles of Nigeria yesterday maintained their leadership of group F of the World Cup qualifiers after pulling a 1-1 draw against the Brave Warriors of Namibia in Windhoek.
The Southern Africans gave the Eagles a stern test with the coach Ricardo Mannetti-tutored side making several dangerous incursions into the vital area of the African Champions, before opening scores through an effort from Tangeni Shipahu down the middle in the second half.
Confident of an upset, the Warriors continued their onslaught, but Nigeria soon responded through Godfrey Oboabona, who took a thunderous free-kick that beat the Namibian goalkeeper a few minutes later. The match ended one goal apiece.
Earlier, the Flames of Malawi had conceded a late equaliser at home to Kenya in the other Group F encounter and now sit second in the group with seven points after their 2-2 draw – two points behind Nigeria.
With this development, the Eagles remain on top of the group with nine points, Namibia have five points, while Kenya are at the bottom of the table with just three points.
Nigeria will now seek to win their last group match against Malawi in Calabar to guarantee the sole ticket from the group, while Kenya will host Namibia.
A win for the Eagles at home against the Flames will result in 11 points for the African Champions. However, a loss for the Eagles and a victory for the Flames in the corresponding fixture will see the Malawians going through on ten points as against Nigeria’s 9.
A draw will see Nigeria clinch the coveted ticket.
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