Neymar Limps off the Field as Nigeria Hold Brazil in a Friendly

Paris Saint Germain (PSG) superstar Neymar had to be substituted very early due to an injury during the international friendly between Brazil and Nigeria in Singapore on Sunday.

It was only the 12th minute when Neymar was substituted by Philippe Coutinho, leaving fans wondering if it was any major injury to the former Barcelona forward, who has been injury prone throughout his career so far. But he gave a thumbs up while walking off which might be an indication that he might be alright if not anything else.

According to Sky Sports, a team spokesman said Neymar “felt discomfort” in his left thigh and would be examined by PSG doctors once he was back in France.

It was only in the Brazil’s previous friendly against Senegal on Thursday that Neymar made his 100th appearance for the country. His 61 goals at the 100-game mark of his career was better than many greats of the game including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A goal in his 101st match would have seen him past Ronaldo Nazario as the highest scorer for Brazil, but he could play no longer than 12 minutes.

Just over 20 minutes after Neymar’s substitution, Nigeria opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Joe Aribo found space in a packed penalty box to fire in a low shot and grab.

Brazil equalised three minutes into the second half when Casemiro fired home from close range after he was quickest to react when a Marquinhos header came back off the woodwork.

The game eventually ended 1-1, which according to the Brazil manager was “not good enough.”

“The result was not good enough,” said Tite. “The Brazilian national team must win, looks to win, wants to win, needs to win. It means nothing if you have ball possession but you do not create opportunities. We had, but we were not effective.”