The Super Eagles of Nigeria have lost their second friendly match in the United States after they were defeated 1-0 by South American side Ecuador
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have lost their second friendly match in the United States after they were defeated 1-0 by South American side Ecuador.
Nigeria who earlier lost 2-1 to Mexico at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, targeted a win against Ecuador at the 25,000 capacity Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
However, it was La Tri who opened the scoring as early as the 3rd minute courtesy of a fine header from Pervis Estupinan who scored from close range, Vavel reports.
The 24-year-old Villarreal defender who has not scored for his club in two seasons was left unmarked and he did well to punish the African side.
The Ecuadorians came close to extending their lead in the 11th minute but Ángel Mena’s shot went very close to the angle of the right post.
More pressure from the World Cup-bound team as Cifuentes’ shot near the area was heading for the corner, but Uzoho stretched phenomenally to prevent the second Ecuadorian goal in the 21st minute.
Nigeria’s first chance of the game came in the 28th minute as Alex Iwobi’s through ball almost allowed Cyriel Dessers to restore parity, but Alexander Domínguez prevented the equalizer.
The Super Eagles finally settled into the game in the latter stages of the first half as they looked to do the magic when they returned from the break.
The second half started with two substitutions for Nigeria, with the entry of Emmanuel Dennis and Ola Aina in place of Sani Faisal and Chidozie Awaziem, while Ecuador substituted Byron Castillo in place of Angelo Preciado.
Play was dictated in the midfield for most parts of the second stanza and it wasn’t until the final stretch that Pervis Estupiñán had two chances.
First Uzoho saved and then on the rebound he sent the ball over the goal. Somehow, there were no further goals as it ended; Nigeria 0-1 Ecuador.
