Nigeria survived a late Cameroon onslaught to draw 1-1 in Yaounde on Monday and move closer to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Moses Simon put the super eagles ahead on 30 minutes and substitute Vincent Aboubakar equalised from a 75th-minute penalty at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo to spark a rally by the hosts.

Unbeaten leaders Nigeria moved to 10 points from four matches in Group B and a home win over Zambia on 7 October will clinch a sixth World Cup appearance.

Dropping two points in Yaounde eliminated seven-time World Cup qualifiers Cameroon as only group winners go to Russia and they trail Nigeria by seven points with two matches to play.

The draw came three days after Nigeria thrashed African champions Cameroon 4-0 in Uyo, a result that prompted losing coach Hugo Broos to make four changes.

Among those dropped were striker Aboubakar and winger Christian Bassogog, whose second-half introductions lifted the “Indomitable Lions” and put pressure on the “Super Eagles”.

Simon scored with a close-range shot past goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa after a low cross eluded several defenders.

A collision between Arnaud Djoum and Nigeria goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa led to the spot-kick, and Aboubakar scored with a shot into the middle of the net.

Cameroon had another penalty appeal rejected by the Gambian referee as they pushed for a first win in the “group of death” that includes Algeria and Zambia, who meet on Tuesday.

Ezenwa came to the rescue six minutes from time with a double save, the second particularly being brave as he dived at the feet of Djoum and was injured.

But for much of the match it looked like the central Africans were going to suffer a first World Cup qualifying defeat at home since losing to Congo Brazzaville in October 1976.

The “Super Eagles” Nigeria were more threatening going forward, thanks to crisp passing, good off-the-ball movement and dazzling individual skills.