(CNN) -- Nigeria are facing a struggle to qualify for next year's Africa Cup of Nations after being held to a 2-2 draw by Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Sunday.
Despite hitting four past their opponents in March -- and also scoring four in their victory over Argentina last week -- the 'Super Eagles' struggled to find their form against spirited opponents and needed a late goal from Everton defender Joseph Yobo to snatch a crucial draw.
Ikechukwu Uche put the visitors ahead midway through the first half, but goals either side of half time from Saladin Seid threated to give the home side a shock victory before Yobo intervened four minutes from time.
The result means that Nigeria are three points behind Group B leaders Guinea with just two matches left to play -- although Nigeria will host Guinea in their final group match in October with just the group winners certain of qualification.
Guinea maintained their advantage at the top of the table courtesy of a 4-1 home win over Madagascar.
Cape Verde remain top of Group A despite suffering a 1-0 defeat by Liberia in Monrovia, with Francis Doe heading home the only goal in the 31st minute.
There was another surprise in the second group match when a last minute twice-taken Knowledge Musona penalty gave Zimbabwe a 2-1 victory over second- placed Mali.
Group E remains tight and the Democratic Republic of Congo climbed above Cameroon into second place behind leaders Senegal thanks to a 2-1 win over Mauritius on the Indian Ocean island.
In Group H, Ivory Coast secured their qualification for the finals with a maximum 12 points from their four matches after thrashing Benin 6-2 in Cotonou, thanks to two goals apiece from strike duo Didier Drogba and Gervinho.
Sudan joined Ghana at the top of Group I by overcoming Swaziland 2-1 in Lobamba, while already-qualified Botswana secured first place in Group K despite being held 0-0 by Malawi in Gaborone.
