CATALONIA 1 - 1 NIGERIA: MATCH REPORT

The news of the Super Eagles playing an International friendly against the Catalonia National team which included ten players from the best football club in the World(Barcelona) was met with mixed feelings, and so many anticipated the game as though it was a FIFA World Cup match.
Nigeria came into the game as the Under dogs and many expected them to chase shadows during the game because of the Catalonian's pattern of play which was to be masterminded by one of the world's finest Midfielder Xavi, which the Eagles actually in truth did for a while before settling in the game.

Surprisingly Nigeria held Catalonia to a 1-1 draw at the Estadi Cornellà El Prat on Wednesday evening as they continued preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations that starts later this month.

Sergio Gonzalez converted a penalty early in the seventh minute to give the hosts the lead before US-based striker Bright Dike got the Super Eagles an equaliser in the 55th minute.
Stephen Keshi started with a team of home-based players mixed with a handful of Europe-based lads while John Cruyff’s squad consisted of players from the Barcelona and Espanyol sides in La Liga.

Barcelona’s Xavi, Carles Puyol, and Milan’s Bojan Krkic were some of the big name stars paraded by the Catalonians while Nigeria had Ike Uche, Emmanuel Emenike, and Ahmed Musa come in as substitutes.

The entire Nigerian defence was consisted of Nigeria Premier League players normally referred to as the Home based players: Chigozie Agbim in goal, and defenders Solomon Kwambe, Azubuike Egwueke, Godfrey Oboabuna and Benjamin Francis who all proved themselves highly capable.

Fengor Ogude and Ogenyi Onazi played in midfield alongside Sunday Mba and Ejike Uzoenyi while Dike and Brown Ideye started up front.

The Catalonians dominated early proceedings and were rewarded with a penalty as Gonzalez converted in the seventh minute. Nigeria tried to regain confidence in the face of strong odds as the fans cheered every move of the home side.
Carlos Puyol was pulled out of action minutes before the half time after going down thanks to the elbow of one of the Super Eagles Midfielder.
A handful of Nigerian fans in the stadium were delirious with joy in the second half when Dike profited from a fast counter-attack to turn his defender and score the equaliser for the Nigerians. The burly MLS-based striker then did a somersault to celebrate his maiden goal for the Eagles.

He was immediately substituted with Ike Uche as Keshi rang changes across the frontline where he also brought in Musa. The change in pace troubled the hosts but Uche saw a few chances miss the mark.

The Catalonians were also unable to convert their chances late on with Cristian Tello shooting wide with only Agbim to beat .
The Super Eagles marshalled a very strong and well organised defence to cope with the attacking intent of the Catalonia front line as the game ended in a stalemate.
I have no doubt that Keshi and His coaching crew will be pleased with the teams performance.
Nigeria will next play against Cape Verde as they conclude plans for the Afcon in South Africa.