The Ethiopians as expected, started the match on the front foot, as they sought to score an early goal to unsettle the Super Eagles. They were denied a goal by the referee in the 22nd minute after Saladin Said’s attempt seemed to have crossed the but Oboabona kept it out.
The quick passing and link-up play of the Ethiopians proved a problem for Nigeria, but they held their own as they resisited the attacks of the opposition. The weather conditions, which were expected to be a problem for the Nigerians, also proved a problem for the home side as they opted for a quick water break at some point in the match.
The breakthrough finally came in the 56th minute, as the referee adjudged the ball to have crossed the line after Behalu Assefa’s cross sailed into the goal, before Enyeama caught it.
Their celebrations were short-lived however, as it took Nigeria just 10 minutes to find the equalizer, through a long-range shot from striker Emenike. As expected, the home crowd fell silent immediately.
The goal seemed to give the Nigerians more confidence, as they raised their game in search of a precious second goal. Moments after being refused a penalty call, Musa sneaked into the Ethiopian box and struck the upright.
The winner finally came, as Emenike netted a penalty kick in the 90th minute, after being brought down in the box by Hainalem Hailu.
It was heartbreak for the home side, as they felt pretty hard done by, in the knowledge that qualifying for the World Cup is going to be near impossible now.
Ethiopia Line Up: Jemal TASSEW (GK), Degu DEBEBE, Abebaw BUTAKO, Aynalem HAILU, Salahdin AHMED, Asrat GOBENA, Menyahel TESHOME, Tesfaye SEYOUM, Shemeles BEKELE, Girma ADANE, Behailu ASSEFA
Nigeria Line Up: Enyeama; Ambrose, Oboabona, Egwuekwe, Echiejile; Onazi, Mikel, Oduamadi; Musa, Emenike, Moses
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