Wingless Eagles: Colombia Pips Amodu’s Squad 1-0 In Cali

Shuaibu Amodu suffered his first defeat since returning as Super Eagles coach, seeing his wards go down 1-0 to Colombia, in an international friendly that was at once frustrating and fast-paced.

Falcao beat the offside trap to score the winner and Nigerian midfielder, Sani Kaita, was sent off for an overly vehement protest in the match played at 3:00 a.m., today.

Missing no less than seven players in the build-up, and mustering a full squad with just one day to the game, Nigeria looked lethargic in the opening stages as the quick Colombians pressed them high up the field in the opening stages.

With a three-man midfield of Christian Obodo, Sani Kaita and Nwankwo Kanu looking slightly unbalanced, the Super Eagles were finding it difficult to keep possession, or string more than two passes on the bounce.

Kanu was even forced to make a last ditch tackle right inside the box with a Colombian set to pull the trigger. Austin Ejide, who looked slightly nervous earlier, was tested from distance and passed the test on the second attempt after spilling the ball the first time.

His composure grew from there and he came up with another good save before the half came to a close. Amodu made three changes in the second half, Ike Uche, Christian Obodo and Yakubu Ayegbeni made way for Joseph Akpala, Kalu Uche and Solomon Okoronkwo.

Things stabilised for the Nigerians after that, but Colombia were creating the better chances, forcing the Nigerian goalkeeper into making two good saves.

Kanu was then taken off for debutant, Femi Ajilore, and the Colombians scored soon after. With the Nigerians holding a high line, a threaded pass found Falcao, and the flag stayed down as Apam lounged on the far side. The Colombian simply rounded Ejide to score, as the Nigerian defence looked to the assistant referee for a call that never came.

The Nigerians were livid, and both players and officials demonstrated vehemently with the referee, a little too vehemently, and Kaita was shown a red card. One goal and one man down, the Super Eagles played a much better game, pushing the Colombians back and almost finding an equaliser. But it was not to be, and the hosts closed out the win.