Nigeria 1:2 England
Did the preparations pay-off?
Nigeria conceded a 1-2 defeat to England on Saturday at the Wembley Stadium, London and from all indications there is yet more work for the team to get done if they plan on making African history at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Both teams have only clashed at the senior level twice before Saturday’s showdown (friendly in 1994 and 2002 FIFA World Cup group stage match).
Saturday’s friendly was an eye-opener for both the Super Eagles and fans everywhere; more training and bonding is definitely needed.
Seven minutes into the first half England dealt the first blow when Gary Cahill headed K. Trippier’s cross into the back of the net to give Gareth Southgate’s men an early lead.
In the 39th minute, Harry Kane doubled England’s lead.
The Super Eagles found their footing very late in the game leaving the English side in total dominance of the first 45 minutes.
Before the second half, Super Eagles technical adviser, Coach Gernot Rohr made four changes to the squad as Kenneth Omeruo, Tyronne Ebuehi, John Ogu and Oghenekaro Etebo came on for Leon Balogun, Shehu Abdullahi, Joel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi respectively.
Iwobi who was inarguably the most effective player on pitch on Saturday gave Nigeria her only goal in the 47th minute when he fired home Odion Ighalo’s shot that bounced off the post.
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