It was a pretty tough one for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in this evening’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against hosts the Leone Star of Liberia in Monrovia.

The match ended 2-2 after the homers rallied to equalise early in the second stanza.

With vibrant marksman Ikechukwu Uche and Nosa Igiebor finding the back of the net after the Lone Star had drawn the first blood, the Super Eagles stamped their authority on the game, taking a 2-1 lead into the break at the Samuel Doe Stadium.

However, the rejuvenated hosts returned from the break determined to keep alive their hopes of qualification for South Africa 2013.

Team skipper Yobo Joseph had before the team jetted out to Liberia in the wee hours of Thursday declared that a draw was the worst result the eagles were expecting.

With that being achieved, the Eagles could be said to have a foot into South Africa. All they need to do is to grab a low score or scoreless draw in the return leg.

The squad paraded in Monrovia was consistent with Super Eagles Manager Stephen Keshi’s belief in home-based pros, as it comprised local and foreign players, including skipper Yobo Joseph and his deputy, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

News Express recalls that the Eagles failed to qualify for the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations held early this year in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. “Big Boss” Keshi has vowed to resign if the team should fail to make it under his watch.

*Photo: Vibrant marksman Ike Uche lived up to expectation, banging in a goal in Liberia.