Liverpool Striker Awoniyi, Ajayi Goal-Shy, Defense Impress As Nigeria Lose To Mexico

The Nigeria U23s lost 1-0 to their Mexican counterparts in an international friendly at the Victoria Stadium on Sunday morning.

Coach Samson Siasia included eight-foreign based professionals in his starting lineup, while Ndifreke Effiong Sincere Seth and goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel were the home-based trio that started the game.

The hosts looked that they were going to take the lead in the first half but the Nigeria U23s defense always kept them at bay.

Houston Dynamo striker Cubo Torres blasted a 44-minute shot off the crossbar , and the scoreboard was reading goalless when both teams went into the break.

Guadalajara ace Marco Bueno finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, firing home after a cross from Zaldivar.

The Samson Siasia-led side rallied late on but could not get the equalizer while Mexico had chances of their own and hit the crossbar again in the closing minutes of the contest watched by about 3,000 spectators.

Next up, the Dream Team VI will face Charleston Battery FC in Atlanta on Saturday, 16th July.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : thenff.com