Super Eagles were yesterday held to 1-1 draw by the defending champions, Zambia in their second group match of the ongoing 2013 Africa Cup of Nation in South Africa. Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene scored an 85th minute penalty that saved the defending champion from defeat.
Emmanuel Emenike opened score for Nigeria in 55 minutes after collecting a pass from Chelsea of England midfielder, John Mikel Obi and created space for himself to fire low past Mweene for his second goal of the tournament.
Earlier, Mikel had missed a penalty in 25th-minute after a foul on Ahmed Musa by Zambian defender in their 18-yard box. The match was the third successive 1-1 draw in the group and left Zambia and Nigeria with two points from their opening two matches.
Nigeria and Zambia who were the bookmakers’ favourites to progress to the quarter-final from the group must win their last group matches to get through. Nigeria faces Ethiopia in their next match, while Zambia will take on Burkina Faso.
Speaking at the post match briefing, Super Eagles coach Stephen keshi expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the match. He said his boys gave a good account of themselves.