The two Nigerian internationals did their bits, but it was not enough to help the Foxes snuck into the top half of the league
Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman featured for Leicester City, but the Foxes were denied at the death as West Ham secured a 2-2 draw at the Kings Power Stadium on Sunday evening.
Ahead of kickoff, 13th-placed Leicester City were looking for their first victory in four games – they last won against Liverpool on December 28th, 2021 – against a Hammers side that sat pretty in the last Champions League spot.
A win, though, would have catapulted the Foxes into the top half of the league table.
But high in confidence, the visitors drew first blood within the opening minutes, with Jarrod Bowen netting a fine strike, his fifth goal in as many matches.
Brendan Rodgers’ men drew themselves back on levelled terms through a Youri Tielemans’ penalty shortly before the interval.
And shortly after the restart, the Foxes had their noses in front thanks to a brilliant Ricardo Pereira diving header off a Harvey Barnes cross.
Ndidi was a consistently efficient piece in the midfield puzzle that also had arch-rival Declan Rice.
Ndidi outshone the English international, though, with the Super Eagles dynamo winning six of his 12 duels, making four interceptions, and completing three clearances. Rice made no interception, recorded zero clearances, and managed to win only three of five duels.
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was introduced into the fray for James Maddison midway through the half as the home side looked to retain their bite in attack.
And the on-loan Leipzig ace could have grabbed the third goal for Leicester moments after, but he dragged his shot wide into the side netting after dribbling well and cutting inside.
But West Ham had the last laugh as Craig Dawson got the final touch to direct a Bowen corner into the net in stoppage time.
The draw leaves Leicester without a league win in four games and sees them lose ground on their top-four opponents.