Int’l Friendly: Nigeria Holds Scotland 2-2

L-R: Former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada-George, former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Alabo Graham-Douglas and Senator Magnus Abe, during the 2nd International Conference on Democracy and Good Governance, at Obi Wali Convention Centre, Chief G.U.Ake Road , Port Harcourt, yesterday

The Super Eagles of Nigeria last night at the home of Englsih side, Fulham FC, Graven Cottage in London began their preparation for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil on a fairly good note, holding the Tarlan Army of Scotland to a 2-2 draw.
It was a pre-World Cup friendly encounter and the Super Eagles had to come from behind twice to even scores with the Scots.
The game was barely 10 minutes old when a fortunitios goal, a flick from the heels of Mulgrew beat badly placed Austin Ejide in goal for Nigeria.
Coach Stephen Keshi had opted to give most of the team’s reserve players and new comers the opportunity to show what they could do.
Captain Joseph Yobo made his return partnering Egwuekwe in the heart of the defence while CHAN Eagles defender, Kunle Odunlami and Elderson Echiejile were the wing backs.
In midfield, Gabriel Rueben and Joel Obi pulled the strings, supported by Ejike Uzoenyi and Babatunde, while Michael Uchebo and Shola Ameobi led the lines.
Despite Scotland’s opening goal, the Eagles were not covered as showed some measure of hunger. Uchebo drew the Eagles level fire minutes to the end of first half with a deplected effort.
In the second half, Scoltaldn asked several questions of the Eagles’ defence with Nigerian born Ikechi Anya tormenting Odunlami in the left flank. Nigeria defence was exposed on occasions but it was an own goal scored by Egwuekwe in the 52nd minute that put them in the lead again.
Nigeria’s bench reacted to going behine again with a rash of substitutions that some big guns joining the fray.
Osaze Odemwingie was one of the substitutes and he showed why most Nigerian clamoured for his inclusion in the squad. His movement, quality and distribution gave direction and bite to the Eagles. Uche Nwafor was also lively up front displaying the predatory instincts of a good striker.
However, it was not until added time, a couple of minutes away from the final whistle that Nigeria snatched the equalizer when Nwofor reacted fastest to punish a hesitant Scottish defence with Nigeria’s second goal.
Overall, the Eagles performace can be better as they head to the United States today. Also, Yobo, Babatunde, Ameobi and few others must raise their game if they are to be regulars in the team during the world cup.