Players of Spain, congratulating themselves, playing against Nigeria. Photo Credit: Getty Images.NIGERIA 0-3 SPAIN
Nigeria has exited the Confederations Cup after losing their second consecutive game in the competition.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 3-0 to World and European champions Spain who progress to the semi-finals of the tournament alongside Uruguay.
Stephen Keshi was in dire need of a win going into the game but things went awry in the early proceedings when Spanish left back, Jordi Alba wriggled his way through Eagles defence to score a lucky goal on three minutes.
The African champions picked themselves up after the goal and produced some eye-catching display with Mikel orchestrating the midfield but things didn’t just work out for them in the end.
Vincent Enyeama was also in top form making four crucial saves in the first half to prevent the Spaniards from increasing their tally but couldn’t stop Fernando Torres in the second half.
The Chelsea player rose above the Eagles defence to make the score 2-0 before Jordi Alba got his brace on 88 minutes.
Uruguay trashed Tahiti 8-0 to book their place in the semi-finals, striker Abel Hernandez scored four out of the eight goals.
Spain will face Italy in a repeat of Euro 2012 final in Fortaleza on Thursday while Uruguay will take on Hosts, Brasil in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday.
Nigeria: 01 Enyeama – 05 Ambrose, 22 Omeruo (sub – Egwueke), 02 Oboabona, 03 Echiejile – 13 Ogude, 19 Mba (sub – 04 Ogu), 10 Mikel – 07 Musa, 09 Akpala (sub – 11 Gambo), 08 Ideye
Subs: 16 Ejide, 23 Agbim, 06 Egwueke, 12 Kwambe, 21 Francis, 04 Ogu, 15 Babatunde, 17 Onazi, 18 Eze, 11 Mohammed, 14 Ujah, 20 Oduamadi
Spain: 12 Valdes – 17 Arbeloa, 03 Pique, 15 Ramos, 18 Alba – 16 Busquets, 08 Xavi, 06 Iniesta – 10 Fabregas (sub – D.silva), 14 Soldado (sub – Torres), 11 Pedro (sub – D.villa)
Subs: 01 Casillas, 23 Reina, 02 Albiol, 05 Azpilicueta, 19 Monreal, 04 Martinez, 20 Cazorla, 21 Silva, 22 Navas, 07 Villa, 09 Torres, 13 Mata
Ref: J Aguilar
Att: 50,000
