The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 2-2 draw by Italy in London. The reigning African champions had just booked their place at Brazil 2014 world cup 48 hours before the match.
The international friendly that was played at the Craven Cottage started with some early spells by the Nigerians but the Cesare Prandelli side scored their first goal in the 11th minute through Guiseppe Rossi.
Mario Balotelli was able to turn in the box 18 before releasing Rossi who was clearly unmarked. The Villareal striker fired the ball into an empty net.
The Nigerians absorbed the pressure and started dominating the fixture. In the 35th Shola Amoebi delivered a fine cross and Bright Dike nodded the ball into the net. The goal lifted the African champions and they went in front five minutes later.
Amoebi sidefooted after receiving a pass from the left flank of the Super Eagles. The Nigerians went into half time as the better team.
After the restart,Andrea Pirlo and Diamanti were introduced into the game. The Italians got an equaliser in a move that also involved Mario Ballotelli.
Austin Ejide sustained an injury after denying Parolo the chance to make it 3-2. Vincent Enyeama,Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa replaced Ejide,Dike and Victor Moses. There was no other goal from both sides but the Italians called Enyeama into action on many occasions. Parolo,Pirlo and Balotelli all forced him to make world-class saves.
Emmanuel Emenike and John Ogu also drew some top saves from the Italian keeper.
Nigeria can now look ahead to a promising 2014 football calendar.
The international friendly that was played at the Craven Cottage started with some early spells by the Nigerians but the Cesare Prandelli side scored their first goal in the 11th minute through Guiseppe Rossi.
Mario Balotelli was able to turn in the box 18 before releasing Rossi who was clearly unmarked. The Villareal striker fired the ball into an empty net.
The Nigerians absorbed the pressure and started dominating the fixture. In the 35th Shola Amoebi delivered a fine cross and Bright Dike nodded the ball into the net. The goal lifted the African champions and they went in front five minutes later.
Amoebi sidefooted after receiving a pass from the left flank of the Super Eagles. The Nigerians went into half time as the better team.
After the restart,Andrea Pirlo and Diamanti were introduced into the game. The Italians got an equaliser in a move that also involved Mario Ballotelli.
Austin Ejide sustained an injury after denying Parolo the chance to make it 3-2. Vincent Enyeama,Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa replaced Ejide,Dike and Victor Moses. There was no other goal from both sides but the Italians called Enyeama into action on many occasions. Parolo,Pirlo and Balotelli all forced him to make world-class saves.
Emmanuel Emenike and John Ogu also drew some top saves from the Italian keeper.
Nigeria can now look ahead to a promising 2014 football calendar.
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