Peru's Claudio Pizzaro scored the lone goal
SUPERSPORT.COM
The Peruvian national team in the early hour of Thursday edged their Nigerian opposites, Super Eagles 1-0 in an international friendly at the 50,000 seats Estadio Nacional in Lima.
Forward, Claudio Pizzaro got the only goal of the match in the 36th minute from a counter attack that saw Eagles' goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim roundly beaten.
The South Americans almost doubled the lead in the 39th minute but the Nigerian back line cleared the ball from danger.
In the 41st minute the Peruvians were on the prowl within Nigeria's vital area but this time they shot wide, reports Supersport.com.
Eagles closest chance to level up came in the 42nd minute but Kalu Uche's shot hit the wood work for corner kick and the resultant kick wasted ending the first term with the Peruvians hanging on with their lead.
The Peruvians played more relaxed, settled game and actually were in charge of the midfield in the first 45 minutes.
At the resumption of play, Eagles showed some purposeful flashes but their opponents still control the game with their short passes and counter attacks.
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi pulled out the duo of Gabriel Reuben and Ejike Uzoenyi for Obiorah Nwankwo and Nnamdi Oduamadi respectively but the dividend was not immediately felt as the Peruvians punctured any move at their vital area.
To strengthen the attack and add bite to the Eagles' force, Keshi withdrew Henry Uche and Ogonna Izuchukwu for Gege Soriola and Raheem Lawal.
Also Obinna Nwachukwu gave way for Ekigho Ehiosun which combined to change the tempo with Nigerians dominating and pushing for the equaliser but still denied access by the brick wall mounted by the Uruguayan coach Sergio Markarian-tutored side.
Agbim clearly stands out for Nigeria on a day his teammates lacked the tools to undo their opponents and practically shot wide.
The introduction of the Europe-based players added some bite but did not do much to open up the Peruvian defence for the vital equaliser.
Nigeria lost again after the first loss to the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Nigeria used the Peru friendly to prepare for the Fifa World Cup qualifier against Namibia on June 3 in Calabar.