The Super Eagles duo of John Ogu and Anthony Nwaekeme were in top form on Thursday night in Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s 2-2 draw at home to 10-man APOEL Nicosia in the Europa League third qualifying round first leg.

Ogu and Nwaekeme were hugely influential as Hapoel recover from two goals down to earn a result ahead of the second leg in Cyprus on Thursday, August 16.

The visitors took a 13th minute lead from the spot through Portuguese midfielder Nuno Morais before Brazilian forward Dellatore doubled the lead on 28 minutes paving the way for the Nigerian show.

John Ogu, who was part of the Super Eagles squad to the recently concluded FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia, pulled one back with three first half minutes on the clock.

Forward Anthony Nwakaeme thereafter completed the comeback on 70 minutes but his team couldn’t find the winning goal despite the fact that APOEL played the final eleven minutes with ten men following the dismissal of Dellatore for two yellow cards.

Both sides meet again on Thursday to determine the team that will secure a playoff round spot.