Tunisia hold Nigeria

Colin Udoh

Nigeria were held to a 2-2 draw by Tunisia at the Abuja National Stadium, compromising the Super Eagles' chances of qualifying for next year's World Cup in South Africa.Osaze Odemwingie opened scoring for Nigeria after 25 minutes, driving his way past his marker on the left to crash a shot into the roof of the net.But the Nigerian celebrations were still on when Nabil Sliti levelled with an unstoppable effort from long range.Tunisia were the better side, and looked dangerous on the break as they tormented the Nigerian side.But Michael Eneramo restored Nigeria's advantage on 85 minutes after good work down the left by John Mikel Obi and Obinna Nsofor.That lead didn't last long either as, with time running out, Esperance midfielder Oussama Darragi replicated Odemwingie's first half goal, cutting down the right hand side and rifling his shot into the roof of the net. The result keep Tunisia two points ahead of Nigeria, and means that the north Africans stay in the driving seat for World Cup qualification, while the Super Eagles are on a wing and a prayer. Live scoring as it happened:

Nigeria LINE UP1. Vincent Enyeama; 13.
Adefemi Olubayo, 3.
Taye Taiwo, 2.
Joseph Yobo, 6.
Dele Adeleye; 14.
Seyi Olofinjana, 10.
John Mikel Obi, 16,
Kalu Uche; 11.
Osaze Odemwingie, 15.
Ike Uche, 8.
Chinedu Obasi Subs12.
Dele Aiyenugba, 4.
Nwankwo Kanu, 5.
Onyekachi Apam, 7.
Sani Kaita, 9.
Obinna Nsofor, 17.
Yusuf Mohammed, 18.
Michael Eneramo

The Tunisia line-up is still not out, but we think it will be something like this Kasraoui, Soussi, Ghazel, Haggui, Mikari; Ragued, Korbi, Taider; Darragi, Ben Saada and JemaaThat may look like a 4-3-3, but its actually a 4-5-1, with the hard men being Ragued and Taider. Darragi and Ben Saada will be the ones looking to thread balls behind the Nigerian wall.Its about an hour to the game, and the stadium is full already, nearly to capacity. Its such an intimidating atmosphere, for anybody. And the Tunisia line up is out. We got it almost spot on. First choice goalkeeper Kasraoui has been dropped to the bench. Now, thats a surprise. Did he [ick up something?


There was a huge roar when Nigeria trotted in from the dressing room. The noise here can bring down Jericho. Will the Tunisians be suitably intimidated? We'll just have to wait and see.Warm-ups are complete. The teams are back in the dressing room. They should be coming out anytime now for pre-match formalities.Here come the Tunisian subs bench.

Colin Udoh