Shola Ameobi scored one goal and set up another as
Nigeria held Italy to a surprise 2-2 draw on Monday.
Stephen Keshi's men headed into the game having clinched
their place at next year's World Cup with a play-off win over Ethiopia on
Saturday.
And the African nation carried that momentum into the
friendly clash at Craven Cottage, producing a determined performance against
the four-time World Cup winners.
Italy were on top for much of the encounter and took the
lead early on thanks to Giuseppe Rossi.
Nigeria launched a superb fightback, though, with Ameobi
setting up Bright Dike for the equaliser before giving his side the advantage
with a fine improvised volley.
Cesare Prandelli's side did level through Emanuele
Giaccherini, but there were to be no further goals despite numerous
opportunities for both teams.
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu replaced
Gianluigi Buffon in goal for Italy, while Fiorentina striker Rossi was included
up front as Prandelli made eight changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Germany
on Friday.
Newcastle United forward Ameobi was among those recalled
to Nigeria's line-up.
Nigeria had the better of the opening exchanges, but it
was Italy who took the lead 12 minutes in, as Rossi converted with a delicate
finish following great hold-up play from Mario Balotelli.
Sirigu producing a strong save to prevent Ogenyi Onazi's
long-range effort from finding the net as Nigeria sought an immediate reply.
Italy dominated for the majority of the half, though, and
had opportunities to double their lead, with Milan duo Ricardo Montolivo and
Balotelli both spurning clear chances.
Despite Italy's dominance, Nigeria levelled things up 10
minutes before half-time when Dike rose highest to head home Ameobi's superb
cross.
There was then a further shock for Italy five minutes
later as Ameobi cleverly converted Francis Benjamin's near-post delivery to
give his side an unlikely lead.
Balotelli came close to a stunning equaliser as half-time
approached, controlling a deflected high cross in audacious fashion before
testing Augustine Ejide with a vicious volley.
But Nigeria's lead lasted only two minutes into the
second half. Rossi linked up well with Antonio Candreva before Giaccherini
slotted under Edije.
Substitute Marco Parolo twice had the chance to put Italy
in front for a second time, firstly blasting over from point-blank range after
substitute goalkeeper Victor Enyeama had pulled off a fine stop from an Andrea
Pirlo free-kick, and then seeing a deflected effort strike the post.
Balotelli and Nigeria substitute Emmanuel Emenike each
squandered clear openings in the closing stages, but neither side could find a
winner.
The closing stages provided particularly frantic fare as
play switched from end to end, much to the delight of those in attendance.
Culled from Soccerway
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