It was a scary moment for Nigeria this evening at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, South-South Nigeria, as African champions Super Eagles narrowly escaped defeat in the hands of underdogs Harambee Stars of Kenya.

Despite parading most of the stars that won the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa on February 20, the Super Eagles found their match in the visitors, who absorbed everything thrown at them.

It went from bad to worse for the homers in the 39^th minute when Francis Kahata scored off a free kick to put Kenya in the driver’s seat.

Apart from maintaining their one-goal advantage, the Kenyan came back from the break exuding confidence and refused to budge despite the introduction of Ahmed Musa for Obafemi Martins, Nnamdi Oduamadi for Sunday Mba and John Ugochukwu for Victor Moses.

Just when it seemed to be all over for Nigeria, Oduamadi evened scores in extra time to salvage a point and leave Nigeria at the top of the group table.

For the Kenyans, who have never beaten Nigeria in 13 encounters since 1968, the late equaliser means their Brazil 2014 World Cup hopes remain dim as they had come to Nigeria with only a point and rooted at the bottom of the table in the group that also features Malawi and Namibia.

•Photo: Oduamadi rescued Nigeria in extra time.