Nigeria fell to a 1-0 defeat against Ecuador in their friendly match on Friday morning after conceding early in the game.
Jose Peseiro made one change from Sunday’s loss against Mexico, starting Katsina United midfielder Sani Faisal in place of the injured Bonke Innocent.
Nigeria found themselves on the back foot early in the game when Ecuador took the lead from a set piece. After just three minutes at the Red Bull Arena, Angel Mena’s free kick found Pervis Estupinan unmarked at the back post and the Villarreal left-back headed past a helpless Francis Uzoho.
With Nigeria still trying to find their footing in the game, Ecuador came close to making it 2-0 but Uzoho made a wonderful save to deny Moisés Caicedo in the 21st minute.
In the 28th minute, Nigeria had a chance to equalize but Cyriel Dessers squandered a golden opportunity. The striker was set up by a beautiful through ball from Alex Iwobi, but his effort was pushed out for a corner by the Ecuadorian goalie.
Peseiro made two substitutions at halftime with Ola Aina and Emmanuel Dennis replacing Chidozie Awaziem and Faisal who looked out of place. Dennis squandered a chance of his own to bring Nigeria back into the game. The Watford forward skyed his effort after receiving a fine pass from Calvin Bassey in the 58th minute.
Nigeria grew into the game in the second half and dominated possession, but they were unable to convert their chances. The South Americans had chances to extend their lead, but Uzoho made two fantastic saves late on to keep Nigeria in the game.
Nigeria’s wasteful finishing proved costly, however, as the game ended 1-0 to Ecuador. The result sees Nigeria conclude their tour of the United States of America with two defeats, following Sunday’s 2-1 versus Mexico. Peseiro is still searching for his first win as manager of the three-time African champions.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe later this month
