African champions Nigeria were held 2-2 last night a thrilling
international friendly against Italy at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground
in London.
The Azzurris who won the World Cup in 2006 in Germany went in front after only 12 minutes, when Guissepe Rossi delightfully chipped over a diving goalkeeper Austin Ejide. He was set up by Mario Balotelli.
Eagles however restored parity on 35 minutes when American MLS star, Bright Dike, out jumped his marker to head home off a tailored cross by Newcastle FC player, Shola Ameobi.
Four minutes later, Ameobi put Nigeria ahead when he met Francis Benjamin’s cross from the left with a half volley that gave Sirigu in goal for Italy no chance.
But Emanuele Giaccherini finished off a flowing Italy move in the 47th minute to tie the game.
The Azzurris who won the World Cup in 2006 in Germany went in front after only 12 minutes, when Guissepe Rossi delightfully chipped over a diving goalkeeper Austin Ejide. He was set up by Mario Balotelli.
Eagles however restored parity on 35 minutes when American MLS star, Bright Dike, out jumped his marker to head home off a tailored cross by Newcastle FC player, Shola Ameobi.
Four minutes later, Ameobi put Nigeria ahead when he met Francis Benjamin’s cross from the left with a half volley that gave Sirigu in goal for Italy no chance.
But Emanuele Giaccherini finished off a flowing Italy move in the 47th minute to tie the game.
Of course, the last 20 minutes of the match was full of fireworks with
the Italian doing most of the attack but Vincent Enyeama who came in for
Austin Ejide made several saves to ensure that the Nigerians left the
Fulham ground with their heads high.
The game looked more of a play-off than an international friendly.
The game looked more of a play-off than an international friendly.
Eagles come into this tune-up tie after dispatching Ethiopia in Calabar
to win a place at next year's World Cup on 4-1 aggregate having won the
first leg 2-1 in Addis Ababa in October.
The Italians on the other hand sealed their place at the 2014 Mundial
after a 2-2 draw against Armenia. And on Friday, the Azzurris of Italy
played out a 1-1 draw in an international friendly with Germany at the
San Siro in Milan.
It was the second time Italy and Nigeria will come face-to-face at the senior level.
On July 5, 1994, the Italians downed the Super Eagles 2-1 in the round of 16 at the World Cup in the USA.
On July 5, 1994, the Italians downed the Super Eagles 2-1 in the round of 16 at the World Cup in the USA.
Many Nigerians will not forget how the Eagles were two minutes away
from a famous upset after Emmanuel Amuneke had scored first before
Roberto Baggio equalised and then scored the winner in extra time.
Eagles coach Stephen Keshi and his assistant, Daniel Amokachi were part of the 1994 set.
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