African champions, Nigeria were held to a 2-2 draw by ten-man Mexico in a thrilling friendly at the Reliant Stadium, Houston on Saturday.
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Nigeria was without Chelsea duo, John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses who asked to be excused while Spartak Moscow striker, Emmanuel Emenike sat out the game because of injury.
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In their absence, the Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi opted for a 4-3-3 formation and surprisingly dropped Vincent Enyeama to the bench with Austin Ejide starting instead.
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Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo and Elderson Echiejile all started at the rear while the midfield was completed by Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu and Sunday Mba.
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Nnamdi Oduamadi, Joseph Akpala and Ideye Brown were the three forward players for the Super Eagles with Ideye playing in the most forward position. Mexico enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and quickly won a free kick in the 5th minute following some good work from Andres Guardado.
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The Eagles responded swiftly three minutes later but Ogu's impressive work ended in a woeful cross from the left.
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The North Americans then took control and on 10 minutes, almost opened the scoring but Chicharito's flick narrowly went over the crossbar.
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Chicharito was involved in another great chance for Mexico three minutes later but his lay off after a wonderful cross from Pablo Barera was badly miscued by Aldo de Nigris.
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A bad mistake by Echiejile on the quarter hour almost cost the African champions a goal as he lost possession with El Tri pouncing with efficiency. Barrera coolly delivered an accurate cross from the move but de Negris' effort was well-saved by Ejide.
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Mexico continued to pepper the Nigerian goal and came close again in the 19th minute when Jesus Naval tried to connect with his head but the Nigerian defence rose to the occasion.
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El Tricolor eventually got their reward on 21 minutes and it was the Manchester United man, Chicharito who finished off the move after yet another inviting cross by the impressive Barera.
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Nigeria was to get a reprieve on 26 minutes as a brilliant passing move ended in a penalty with referee, Baldomero Toledo pointing to the spot after Barrera used his hand to stop the ball in the box.
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Oduamadi's goal-bound effort was handled by the Mexican defender leaving Toledo no option but to show him a straight red card.
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Dynamo Kiev's top scorer from last season, Ideye is never one to buckle under pressure on the big occasions and he duly stepped up to the plate by dispatching the penalty with ease; sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to bring the Eagles back on level terms.
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Nigeria then went on to control the possession for the rest of the half but it was the Mexicans that created the next clear-cut opportunity when de Nigris' effort produced a routine save from Ejide.
The super eagles of Nigeria did the nation proud in that game. They played very well all through the game. Kudos to them.
Mexico have great players so I actually did not expect Nigeria to beat them. We should have though.....But all the same, it's all good.
Let's just hope Nigeria'll improve in sibsequent friendly games. I believe there would be more goals.