Super Eagles’ hope of becoming the first African team to book a flight to the Russia 2018 World Cup was derailed yesterday, following a come back by the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw.

Having been thrashed 4-0 by the Super Eagles last Friday in Uyo, the stalemate provides at least some redemption for the Indomitable Lions, though their hopes of reaching Russia 2018 are all but gone.

The result does mean that Nigeria will have to wait until at least the next round of matches in October to confirm their place at the World Cup finals.Both teams took their time in settling into the match, with Nigeria particularly happy to sit back and let their hosts make most of the running in the early minutes.

The Super Eagles gradually warmed to their task and began to threaten from a strong of set pieces.

On the half hour mark, in the wake of a dead-ball scenario, Victor Moses drove a low cross toward goal that was only half-saved by Fabrice Ondoa, and Moses Simon arrived to sweep home the loose ball and put Nigeria ahead.

Three minutes later, it was nearly 2-0, with Odion Ighalo turning his marker inside out before firing a left-footed shot just over the target.

Cameroon equalised in the 75th minute with Aboubakar scoring from the spot after Ezenwa fouled a Cameroonian player inside the box.With 10 minutes left the Eagles made their second change with Kelechi Iheanacho replacing Ighalo.

On 81 minutes Moses almost curled a free-kick straight into the net but Fabrice Ondoa retreated quickly to palm away for a corner.Cameroon almost went ahead on 85 minutes but Ezenwa made a brilliant double save before getting injured.

Group B other teams Zambia on four points and Algeria will play on Tuesday in Constantine in Algeria.

Reports by Miyen Akiri