Nigeria and Mexico played out a 2-2 draw in an international friendly at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, the USA on Saturday.
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The African champions started on the back foot and could hardly keep up with the mobility and pressing of the Mexicans.
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The Concacaf champions kept running the show in Houston dragging the Nigerians wide and deep so often.
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Manchester United forward, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez struck the post with his goal-bound flick leaving Austin Ejide well beaten from the first real chance at goal.
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Nigeria's only attempt at goal inside the first 18 minutes when John Ogu initiated play from the middle to Elderson Echiejile, whose cross evaded everyone in the Mexican goal area.
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Meanwhile Sporting Braga left-back, Echiejile, was getting schooled by Cruz Azul midfielder, Pablo Barrera, time and time again.
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In one of the instances Barrera turned Echiejile inside out but Aldo De Nigris could only watch as Nigeria goalkeeper, Austin Ejide saved his effort.
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As expected the Cruz Azul man skinned Echiejile for the umpteenth time before sending in a low cross which an unmarked Chicharito side-footed coolly to give Mexico a deserved lead. Definitely Mexico had smelt blood and the goal was always coming.
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But within minutes, Barrera turned villain. He was shown a straight red card for handling Nnamdi Oduamadi's goal-bound effort from a rebound after Joseph Akpala's close range effort was blocked Mexico keeper, Jesus Corona.
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Brown Ideye stepped up to score the resultant spot kick in the 29th minute as Nigeria drew level at a point when they looked jaded in the game.
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Somehow the numerical disadvantage took the wind out of the sail of José Manuel de la Torre's team.
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Just before the break, Academica de Coimbra midfielder, Ogu was fortunate to have his shot deflected by Gerardo Torrado leaving Corona scrambling on the turf as Nigeria took a 2-1 lead.
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With seconds left to half time, De Nigris stole behind Godfrey Oboabona in a bid to meet a deep ball but his touch was wayward.
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Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi, made three changes at the break. Vincent Enyeama, Michael Babatunde and Anthony Ujah came on for Ejide, Ideye and Akpala respectively.
The match was fun so i heard but i really expected us to win. We scored very good goals i must confess
Chicharito was always bound to be a threat to Nigeria's defence having in mind what he does in EPL matches.
We need to bring in more strickers to the squad cos the ones we have are not really doing well as far as I'm concerned.