Chris Maduewesi
Member
Nigeria's homebased Eagles put up a spirited performance in their match against the Elephants of Ivory Coast who could only muster a 1-0 defeat against them on Sunday.
Ivory Coast had to wait until the 84th minute before they could score a goal that bridged the Nigerian goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim.
It was the first of the two friendly games that Nigeria will be playing in Dubai, and the Daniel Amokachi side gave a good account of themselves against Ivory Coast that lined up their star players.
Ivory Coast used the game to prepare for the forthcoming 2015 African Nations Cup tournament that they will be taking part in, as they get set to hit Equatorial Guinea.
While Nigeria are in a rebuilding process, having failed to qualify for the Nations Cup tournament.
The only player Nigeria fielded and does not play in the local league, was Steven Ukoh, making his debut for the Super Eagles after switching allegiance from Switzerland.
But the game was never in anyway a walkover for the Elephants, parading the likes of current African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure, Gervinho and even Salamon Kalou.
Kano Pillars midfielder gave away the ball as Newcastle midfielder, Chieck Tiote stole possession which led to the goal Ivory Coast scored through Kalou, his second international goal against Nigeria.
Overall the Nigerian players gave a good account of themselves, holding their own against Ivory Coast.
Nigeria will next play against Sudan in their last of their two friendly games in Dubai.
Ivory Coast had to wait until the 84th minute before they could score a goal that bridged the Nigerian goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim.
It was the first of the two friendly games that Nigeria will be playing in Dubai, and the Daniel Amokachi side gave a good account of themselves against Ivory Coast that lined up their star players.
Ivory Coast used the game to prepare for the forthcoming 2015 African Nations Cup tournament that they will be taking part in, as they get set to hit Equatorial Guinea.
While Nigeria are in a rebuilding process, having failed to qualify for the Nations Cup tournament.
The only player Nigeria fielded and does not play in the local league, was Steven Ukoh, making his debut for the Super Eagles after switching allegiance from Switzerland.
But the game was never in anyway a walkover for the Elephants, parading the likes of current African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure, Gervinho and even Salamon Kalou.
Kano Pillars midfielder gave away the ball as Newcastle midfielder, Chieck Tiote stole possession which led to the goal Ivory Coast scored through Kalou, his second international goal against Nigeria.
Overall the Nigerian players gave a good account of themselves, holding their own against Ivory Coast.
Nigeria will next play against Sudan in their last of their two friendly games in Dubai.