Nigeria were again pegged back by the defending African Cup of Nations champions Zambia in a 1-1 draw on Friday in a Group C match at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelpruit.

This was the classic game of two halves - Zambia dominated the first period, but Nigeria stepped up after the interval.

Emmanuel Emenike gave Nigeria the lead in the 57th minute, when he was set up by Mikel Obi after he stole the ball from Chisamba Lungu.

Kennedy Mweene drew Zambia level in the 85th minute when he slotted past Enyeama after Ogenyi Onazi was adjudged to have brought down Emmanuel Mayuka.

Zambia were the livelier of the two teams in a goalless first half and created the better chances.

They enjoyed more of the possession with Southampton striker Emmanuel Mayuka's header missing the target very early on, before Kalaba fired at the Eagles goal on 16 minutes off a Chisamba Lungu cross.

Six minutes later, playmaker Kalaba's shot-cum-cross was clutched by Nigeria goalkeeper Enyeama.

Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi failed to score from the penalty spot in the 26th minute after David Nkausu brought down Ahmed Musa inside the box.

On 29 minutes, skipper Enyeama was again called to duty when he had to dive full stretch to hold firmly to a Chisamba free-kick from outside the box.

In the 36th minute, big defender Stopilla Sunzu's header off another free-kick screamed across the Eagles goal, before Chris Katongo then scoffed his shot at goal no thanks to the sandy Mbombela Stadium pitch.

Emenike gave Nigeria the lead in the 57th minute, when he was set up by Mikel Obi after he stole the ball from Chisamba Lungu.

On 72 minutes, Enyeama saved off the feet of the exciting Kalaba as the Chipolopolo poured forward in search of an equalising goal.

Mweene drew Zambia level in the 85th minute when he slotted past Enyeama after Ogenyi Onazi was adjudged to have brought down Emmanuel Mayuka to see the game end 1-1.