The Super Eagles of Nigeria were defeated 1-0 by La Tri of Ecuador in a friendly match held at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on Friday morning.
Pervis Estupian nodded home Enner Valencia’s cross from a free-kick in the third minute, putting Jose Peseiro’s side behind.
Following that, the Super Eagles dominated the game and were denied a penalty after Terem Moffi was upended inside the box by Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez on 12 minutes.
Cyriel Dessers squandered a golden opportunity for Nigeria 15 minutes later.
Alex Iwobi set him up with a brilliant pass, but Dominguez easily saved the striker’s tame effort.
Ecuador’s direct football caused problems for the Super Eagles defense, and they were denied a couple of times by the brilliant Francis Uzoho.
Coach Peseiro made two substitutions at halftime, replacing Chidozie Awaziem and Sani Faisal with Ola Aina and Emmanuel Dennis.
After Calvin Bassey teed Dennis, the Super Eagles had the first chance after the break, but Dennis failed to direct his shot at goal.
Joe Aribo was denied by the upright a minute after the hour mark as the West Africans increased the tempo of the game.
Dessers squandered another opportunity a minute later.
Five minutes from time, Uzoho made a fantastic save to deny Angel Mena.
Following the conclusion of the friendlies, the Super Eagles will focus on their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.
