November 10, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles were defeated 2-0 by the Costa Rican national team in an international friendly, at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica.
The hosts took advantage of their first chance to strike to open the scoring. Joel Campbell whipped in a cross that was received by Scar Duarte, who blasted past Bankole in the seventh minute. Qudus Akanni drove the ball into the final third in the 12th minute and then passed it to Ezekiel, who went for goal, but was ruled to be offside.
Coach Salisu Yusuf made four substitutions in the 59th minute, replacing Enobong and Alo Samson with Alex and Sunday Faleye, respectively. Akanni was replaced by Garba, while Chidebere Nwobodo was replaced by Samuel Kalu.
In the 72nd minute, Kendall Waston gave the North American team a two-fold advantage as the lanky defender met Campbell’s swinger and guided it beyond Ejeh Isiah and Kayode Bankole.
Costa Rica have now defeated Nigeria twice in a row after a 1-0 win in a 2011 friendly.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
