A second-string Super Eagles side played host to reigning Europa League Champions, Atletico Madrid of Spain on Tuesday evening in an entertaining encounter at the Uyo international stadium.
Although none of the world cup bound players for both teams played a part in the friendly fixture, it was definitely an eventful 90 minutes of football action especially from the Nigerian perspective.
The duo of left back, Ikouwem Udoh and Kelechi Nwakali were particularly impressive for the Eagles, especially Arsenal’s Nwakali, who lit up the stadium with the game’s opening goal.
The midfielder eluded his markers, before letting fly half-way through the first half a well taken strike from the edge of the 18-yard box , which left Jan Oblak helpless in goal to put Nigeria 1-0 up.
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But that goal only lasted a few seconds as Atletico hit back immediately through Correa who was put through on goal after a mistake from the Nigerian right-back on the night to equalise for the Spanish outfit.
In the second half, it was Fernando Torres who came on for Atleti to put the Spanish side ahead as both teams threatened each other’s defence from time to time before Usman Mohammed equalised for Nigeria after a beautiful piece of skill and footwork to go past the Atletico defenders.
Both teams then kept going for the winner before Atletico Madrid found the breakthrough in 85th minute to put an end to a worthy friendly encounter at the Nest of Champions in Akwa Ibom
