Ireland trail at the break

Nigeria 1 Rep of Ireland 0

The Republic of Ireland’s unbeaten record in friendlies under manager Brian Kerr was under serious threat when they were given the runaround by a slick Nigeria team in the opening fixture of the Unity Cup at The Valley.

Mark Kinsella, who for so long played at this ground for Charlton, lost possession after 36 minutes and Bartholomew Ogbeche of Paris St Germain unleashed a fierce low drive from 20 yards which hit the inside base of the left post before bouncing into the opposite corner.

Ogbeche’s goal made amends for his poor miss after 18 minutes. Leeds’ Stephen McPhail gave the ball away in the centre circle and Nigeria quickly worked it to Ogbeche who was unmarked on the left angle of the six-yard line. However, with only goalkeeper Nick Colgan to beat, he slid his shot against the far post.