The players returned to the pitch, sweat still drying on their brows, boots crunching the turf as if the grass itself vibrated with anticipation.
The Abuja National Stadium had not relented for a second as drums still thundered and horns blared. Chants shook the air.
"Sam!" "Sam!" "Sam!"
[HALFTIME: Nigeria 1-1 Brazil]
Forty five minutes left to crown a night Africa would never forget.
FWEEE!
The referee's whistle sounded and the game resumed.
Brazil came out sharp, passing in triangles, moving the Super Eagles from side to side. They were organized and dangerous as Paquetá orchestrated, while Bruno Guimarães swept behind him.
On the right, Rodrygo's menace exploded as he kept needling at Sanusi with nimble feints.
And then in the 48th minute, Brazil as a whole exploded.
