Herrera, Chicharito Save Mexico

[Folami David]

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.

[Shola Sholaz]

The match was fun so i heard but i really expected us to win. We scored very good goals i must confess

[Folami David]

Chicharito was always bound to be a threat to Nigeria's defence having in mind what he does in EPL matches.

[Shola Sholaz]

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.