Keane strike keeps Ireland level at the break

Republic of Ireland 1 Nigeria 1

Skipper Robbie Keane was on the scoresheet as Republic of Ireland went into the break level with Nigeria at Craven Cottage.

Michael Enemaro had opened the scoring in the friendly at Fulham’s ground, then Keane levelled in the 38th minute.

Leon Best, one of five debuts handed out by Giovani Trapattoni, struck the post with a header just before Keane struck.

Giovanni Trapattoni's new strike partnership took less than three minutes to link up, with Robbie Keane seizing on a poor clearance from Sam Sodje and sending the ball through to Leon Best.

Best looked like getting an effort away but Nigeria goalkeeper Austin Ejide bravely rushed out and blocked, taking a clattering from the Coventry striker for his troubles.

Femi Olubayo grappling with Keane raised the intensity, as did Lawrence’s touchline confrontation with Kalu Uche, in what was a warm-up for both sides ahead of important World Cup qualifiers.

Given was almost embarrassed by a long-range free-kick by Sone Aluko midway through the first half.

After being awarded the set-piece in an innocuous position 40 yards from goal, Aluko lofted his effort and it required the Manchester City keeper to backtrack and tip over the crossbar.

At the other end, Keith Andrews was not quite as far out when he set his sights and his drive flew over as well. Best was then sent through by a Keane backheel and Sodje was was back to make a last-ditch tackle.

It was a crucial interception as the Africans were ahead on the half-hour mark.

Olubayo, on the right, fizzed in a cross first time which Foley should have cleared by Enemaro was a fraction quicker, wrapped his foot around the ball and his finish fizzed past Given.

Best hit the post with a header but it did not matter as Ireland were level seven minutes before the break with a eye-pleasing move.

Liam Miller flicked the ball to Andrews, who split the Nigeria defence with his pass. Keane latched onto it and rounded Ejide before tucking away his finish.