Friendly match: Nigeria drew their match

The Super Eagles began the preparations for the
2014 World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Scotland
on Wednesday at the Craven Cottage in London.
The African champions rested key players like
Mikel Obi, Vincent Enyeama, Emmanuel Emenike
and Ahmed Musa for the match against the Tartan
Army who were unbeaten in their last five outings.
Captain Joseph Yobo was given his 96th cap. He
played alongside Austin Ejide, Elderson Echejile,
Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami, Gabriel
Reuben, Joel Obi, Michael Babatunde, Michael
Uchebo, Ejike Uzoenyi and Shola Ameobi.
The match began slowly with Shola Ameobi and
Michael Uchebo troubling Allan McGregor in goal
for Scotland. The Scots grew into the game as the
match progressed with Nigerian-born Ikechi Anya
bursting down the flanks to trouble the Nigerian
defence.
Substitute Uche Nwofor rescued Nigeria from
defeat with a late goal after the Scots held on to a
2-1 lead with few minutes left in the match.
Charles Mulgrew gave Scotland the lead after just
10 minutes when he deflected James Morrison’s
effort beyond Ejide in goal for Nigeria. Eagles
levelled in the 40th minute when Uchebo’s shot
from distance was also deflected and goalkeeper
McGregor was wrong footed.
Scotland regained their lead in the 52nd minute
when Egwuekwe scored an own goal but Nwofor
snatched a late equaliser to save Nigeria the
embarrassment.
Coach Stephen Keshi made six changes in the
second half as the African Champions struggled
to get a hold in the match. Michael Babatunde
was replaced by Nnamdi Oduamadi, goal scorer
Uchebo left for Osaze Odemwingie, Nosa Igiebor
also replaced Joel Obi. Shola Ameobi went out for
Uche Nwofor, Ejike Uzoenyi was also replaced by
Victor Moses while Efe Ambrose replaced injured
Kunle Odunlami.
Scotland coach, Gordon Strachan, told BBC Radio
after the match that the game was an even and
fair one.
He said, “We’ve had three days hard work and we
were one pass away from another three or four
goals. Some of these guys haven’t played in
weeks and I think you could see that in a few of
the final balls.
“I’ve got a squad in there where every one of
them wants the others to do well.”