Shaky defending by Nigeria’s defenders on Wednesday left Super Eagles’ new first choice goalkeeper, Francis Odinaka Uzoho gravely exposed, and Tomas Kalas slotted home a first half goal that sealed a 1-0 win for Czech Republic during an explosive friendly in Austria.
The Czechs went on rampage from the word go, such that Uzoho was called to duty on several occasions, and had to give away two quick corner kicks, before the East Europeans slotted home from the keeper’s rebound on a well struck free kick.
Dramatically, torrential rain early in the second half slowed down Nigeria’s attempt of another quick-fire response, the way they had against England on Saturday, as the referee soon directed a pause that saw players on either side head to the tunnel for a rare rest.
Back on the pitch, with half an hour remaining and rain still petering down on the pitch, Victor Moses led Nigeria’s search for an equaliser, but anxiety, showboating and poor mastery of free kicks saw him fall short.
Midway through the second half, Odion Jude Ighalo had a penalty call snubbed by the referee, Uzoho pulled off a super save during a goal melee, and Kelechi Iheanacho soon stepped in for Moses with 11 minutes left on the clock.
Spirited combinations between Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi took the pressure back to the Czechs, with another sub, Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo adding efforts alongside John Ugochukwu Ogu through the middle.
Ahmed ,Musa was also on in place of Odion Jude Ighalo, but all their efforts fell short, as the Eagles fail to get back into the game and lost for the second straight build-up match, and last overall, heading into the World Cup.
