Sweden 3 (V. Berisha 11’, 19’, M. Halvadzic 65’) Nigeria 3 (S. Isaac 22’, M. Yahaya 48’, T. Awoniyi 81’)
Nigeria proved they have substance as well as style as they came from behind twice to claim a 3-3 draw with Sweden in Group F on Tuesday night.
Both sides recorded comprehensive wins in their opening games, as the Golden Eaglets beat Mexico 6-1 and the Scandinavians were 4-1 winners over Iraq, so this game was highly anticipated and it didn’t disappoint.
Sweden were two goals ahead inside the opening 20 minutes with a brace from striker Valmir Berisha, but Nigeria pulled one back straight away with a sublime effort from Success Isaac, who then limped off injured.
A goalkeeping mistake allowed Nigeria to gain parity early in the second half, but Sweden regained control when substitute Mirza Halvadzic slid one home from close range. However, Nigeria’s substitute Taiwo Owoniyi headed home a deserved equaliser with just nine minutes to go.
“We came out to win, not to draw, but football can be funny at times,” said . “We came back very well on two occasions. We’re very happy to come back from two goals down as well.
“However, the Swedish team sat back and refused to come out, but we knew they were going to do that. We created a lot of chances but when we lost our main striker (Isaac) it was going to be difficult. If he was there, we might have done better.”
The first goal came after just 11 minutes, when Nigerian goalkeeper Dele Alampasu came out of his goal to contest a high searching cross with Erdal Rakip. However, the Swede got to the ball first and headed it back across goal where Berisha guided it into the empty net.
Berisha doubled the lead seven minutes later, but it was down to the trickery of left winger Anton Saletros who beat three Nigerians before angling a cross back towards the striker who was left with the simplest of tasks.
But the Nigerians hit back just two minutes later with what will surely be a contender for goal of the tournament. The impressive Kelechi Iheanacho found Isaac with a glorious ball over the top, and he guided a volley from the edge of the box past keeper Sixten Mohlin.
Three minutes into the second half, Nigeria were back level as Mohlin let a harmless shot from Musa Yahaya through his legs and it dribbled over the line. Nigeria began to take control, but it was Sweden who regained the lead as Mirza Halvadzic stabbed home from close range.
The Golden Eaglets piled on the pressure and got their reward when a cross from Iheanacho found Awoniyi who planted a header into the far corner.
In the other game in Group F, Mexico beat Iraq 3-1, with goals from Jose Almanza, Alejandro Diaz and Ulises Rivas. Iraq replied through Sherko Kareem.
* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.
