Super Eagles suffer 2-0 defeat against Costa Rica in international friendly

Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a 2-0 defeat in the hands of Qatar World Cup bound Costa Rica in an international friendly game played inside the Estadio Nacional de in San Jose in the early hours of today.

Costa Rica’s Oscar Duarte scores against Nigeria during a friendly match at the National Stadium in San Jose.
Source: AFP

This is the first time ever both Costa Rica and the Super Eagles will meet at senior level.

Nigeria began the game with zest – dictating the proceedings of the game in the first 3 minutes, but the hosts grew into the game and made use of their first attacking opportunity.

Former Arsenal forward, Joel Campbell whipped in a cross and it was met by Óscar Duarte who shot beyond Bankole in the 7th minute.

In the 12th minute, Qudus Akani drove the ball into the final third before making a pass to Ezekiel, who was later deemed offside.

And in the 73rd minute, Kendall Waston doubled their lead to help his team return to winning ways.

The win extends Costa Rica’s winning streak against Nigeria to two, having won 1-0 in a friendly played in 2011.

Up next for the Salisu Yusuf-led Super Eagles is another friendly game against Portugal who will also feature at this year’s World Cup.

The game comes up on Thursday, 17 November at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.