Get Guardian on GoogleThe Super Eagles have been handed a lifeline ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
Nigeria desperately need maximum points against the East African side over two legs to revive their chances of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
While the Super Eagles need six points over two legs, they also need a lifeline: a favourable result in the tie between Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles were handed that lifeline after Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau settled for a point each on Thursday evening at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknès, Morocco.
The close contest ended 1-1, with Guinea-Bissau top of Group L on seven points after three matches, while Madagascar have two.
Warren Caddy gave Madagascar the lead just before the hour mark, but Renato Nhaga snatched a late point for the Djurtus with six minutes left on the clock.
Guinea-Bissau came close to sealing maximum points late in the game with an attempt that came off the post in an end-to-end contest in Meknès.
The result gives the Super Eagles hope as they target three points against Tanzania, who have already qualified for next year’s competition as one of the host countries.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are currently second in Group L with three points after a narrow win over Madagascar on matchday 1 and a scandalous loss to Guinea-Bissau afterwards.
A win for Eric Chelle‘s men will take them a point ahead of Guinea-Bissau ahead of the second leg on Tuesday, and the Franco-Malian gaffer will hope for another favourable result when Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar face off again.
A new-look Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is the venue as Nigeria take on Tanzania on Friday, with kick-off set for 5 p.m
