The Super Eagles hopes of qualification for next year's African Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon was given a huge blow on Sunday when the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia held them to a 2-2 draw in Addis Ababa.
Nigeria's situation was made even more precarious when the Syli Nationale of Guinea recorded a 4-1 win over Madagascar to remain on top of the group with 10 points, three ahead of the Eagles.
Goals from Omar Kalabane, Ismael Bangoura, Sadio Diallo and veteran defender Bobo Balde sealed the victory for the Guineans in Conakry.
Homeboy Saladin Seid, who plays for St. George in the Ethiopian topflight league, was the hero for the Antelopes, as his brace sealed an emphatic draw for the East Africans but put Nigeria's qualification in a dicey state.
The hosts started the brighter side and created several scoring chances but the fantastic displays of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama denied them an early goal.
However, it was Nigeria that took the lead when Real Zaragoza striker Ike Uche converted on 26 minutes for the game's opener. The Antelopes equalised just before the break through the impressive Seid.
Seid shocked the Eagles again after the break to give Ethiopia a 2-1 lead. The home side seemed on the way to a resounding victory over the more fancied Nigerians until defender and captain of the Eagles, Joseph Yobo, grabbed the all-important equaliser in the dying minutes of the match.
Nigeria coach Samson Siasia made two changes to the team that started against Argentina on Wednesday opting to bring in speedy winger Ahmed Musa for Almeria's Kalu Uche, who returned to Spain.
Denmark-based striker Peter Utaka replaced powerful Everton forward Victor Anichebe while new Fenerbahce signing Emmanuel Emenike was not listed for the match after he was diagnosed with fever.
The Eagles must beat Guinea at home in their next game in September against Guinea to revive their chances of qualifying for Africa's top football competition next year.
Source: The Punch