Nigeria vs England : ‘Super Eagles Will Need To Improve’

'Dotun Akintomide
Writer

Ad

Ex-APGA Presidential Candidate Umeadi Quits Politics, Citing Personal Reasons

By Abiola Olawale Professor Peter Umeadi, former presidential candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 Nigerian General Elections, has officially announced his departure from active politics, bringing an end to his foray into the nation's political landscape. Umeadi, a former Chief Judge of Anambra State, who contested Nigeria's top office on…

Ooni, Alaafin Forge Joint Council, Ushering a New Era of Yoruba Unity

By Abiola Olawale Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, formally mended recent tensions and established a collaborative framework for regional progress. ​The reconciliation took place on Friday, October 24, 2025, in Lagos during a high-profile meeting convened by billionaire businessman, Sir Dr. Kessington Adebutu. The sit-down was…

Over 50 Generals May Face Early Retirement After Tinubu’s Major Military Shake-Up

By Abiola Olawale President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping change in the military high command is set to trigger a wave of retirements of over 50 Major Generals and their equivalents across the armed forces. A national newspaper report while quoting sources maintained that the likely early retirements are expected in a bid to restore the traditional…

Ad

It was a match which provided some clues as to how coach Gareth Southgate will line up his still experimental side when the World Cup gets underway in two weeks’ time.

England’s Three Lions beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2-1 in a pre-2018 FIFA World Cup friendly on Saturday at the Wembley Stadium in London.

First-half goals from Gary Cahill and captain Harry Kane helped England to victory in their penultimate warm-up match before taking on Tunisia, Panama and Belgium in Group G in Russia.

But the game represented little as a true test for England who benefited from a string of first-half errors by Nigeria.

The Africans, who also head to Russia, pulled a goal back shortly after the break through Alex Iwobi but only fleetingly threatened the hosts for much of the game.

Southgate has yet to settle on his preferred starting team and fielded Jesse Lingard alongside fellow attacking midfielder Dele Alli on Saturday.

It provided England with pace and creativity that led to a string of first-half chances.

Wing backs Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young added to England’s attacking power.

With Jordan Henderson rested after his appearance for Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final a week earlier, Eric Dier looked confident as the holding player in midfield.

Southgate will take comfort from the performance of Cahill whose powerfully-headed goal from a corner kick after seven minutes will strengthen his claim for a place in the heart of defence.

The Three Lions took control of the game in the 39th minute.

That was when Kane drilled a shot from the edge of the penalty area and Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho allowed it to squeeze past him.

The Super Eagles will need to improve when they take on Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Group D in Russia.

England are due to finish their preparations for the World Cup with a friendly against Costa Rica in Leeds on June Thursday.

Nigeria on their part play the Czech Republic in a friendly on Wednesday.(Reuters/NAN)

Ad

X whatsapp