Four of the eight NPFL players invited to the Super Eagles showed their qualities as Nigeria lost to Mexico 2-1 on Saturday morning.
Santi Gimenez opened the scoring in the match in the 12th minute for the Mexicans while Cyril Dessers’ goal in the 53rd was followed by an Troost Ekong own goal in the 55th.
Katsina United’s captain, Faisal Sani would be the first home based to be thrown on by Jose Peseiro as he came on for Innocent Bonke just before the second half began. The defender was impressive at his right wing back position as he curtailed attacks from the opponent.
In the 70th minute, Victor Mbaoma replaced Terem Moffi on the right wing after which NPFL’s highest goal scorer, Ishaq Rafiu and Chiamaka Madu were brought on in the 81st minute for Simon Moses and Cyril Dessers.
Ishaq showed brilliance in the little minutes he played from the right forward as his attempted shot at goal went wide. The winger also drove at defenders and moved the ball into attacking positions for the team.
Victor Mbaoma saw less of the ball but his few touches were spot on while Madu orchestrated things from a defensive midfield position.
The Super Eagles will play their last friendly against Ecuador on Thursday in the US before returning for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
