Joe Aribo was the standout performer as Brazil held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw during an international friendly at the National Stadium in Singapore on Sunday.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put in a solid performance as Casemiro denied them a famous victory over star-studded Brazil.
Rangers of Scotland midfielder, Aribo netted in the 35th minute as Nigeria went into the break with a 0-1 advantage.
However, that lead will be canceled two minutes into the second half when Casemiro tucked in the equaliser from close range for the Samba Boys.
The five-time champions dominated most of the second half and the game, despite losing talisman Neymar in the first half to a thigh injury.
Nigeria was content with playing on the counter as Brazil enjoyed possession of the ball, preferring to use the duo of Samuel Chukuweze and Moses Simon who were very menacing and a handful for Brazil on the wings.
With their dominance, Brazil did create the better chances to have added another goal but were guilty of missing them, most notably easily the best chance of the second half when Phillippe Coutinho was put through on goal but missed from six yards out as Semi Ajayi was in the right place and time to smartly block his tame shot.
Brazil’s best chances, including the leveller, came through set plays as Nigeria struggled throughout the match to deal with their set pieces.
Nigeria would be forced into a change early in the second half when first choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho was replaced for what seemed a knee injury with German-born Maduka Okoye finally making his bow for the Eagles.
At the end, Aribo’s second goal in as many matches earns Nigeria a share of the spoils against Brazil in the first meeting between the two sides since Nigeria was beaten 0-3 in Abuja in 2003.
