Eagles held by Mozambique

Nigeria stumbled to a 0-0 draw away to Mozambique to hand the initiative in their 2010 World Cup qualifying race to Tunisia, who won 2-1 in Kenya on Saturday.The hosts had two efforts ruled out for offside, while Obafemi Martins and Ike Uche spurned good chances to give the Super Eagles the lead in a close fought game. A packed Machava Stadium was covered in a sea of red and gave full voice to their support. Dominguez headed an effort over within the opening three minutes to set the tone for a dominant first period, as the Eagles struggled to find their footing on the artificial turf and the heat. They were almost made to pay for that sluggish start when Dario found some space and found the back of the net, but the flag was up. Two minutes later, Martins could have put Nigeria ahead. The Newcastle forward found himself one on one with the goalkeeper, but took the near post option and Kampango saved easily. Nigeria finally began to find some rhythm after 20 minutes and Martins got behind his marker, but passed the ball just behind Ike Uche, to the relief of the home crowd. Uche then found himself in a similar position as Martins early on, latching onto a long, inch-perfect ball from John Mikel Obi. Again, Kampango came up big. Mozambique had the ball in the net for a second time, but again, they were denied by the flag. Enyeama was then forced to save a dangerous header as the Mambas broke with intent in the closing minutes of the first half. It was more even in the second period, but both defences held firm. The best chance of the half, again falling to Martins. The striker turned his marker inside out, but again went for the near post and hit the side netting. Nigeria finished stronger as the second half closed out, but they ran out of time.