Mexico had Manchester United striker, Javer ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez to thank, after the pacy frontman scored a second-half equaliser, to ensure his side drew 2-2 with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, in a friendly played at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Stephen Keshi started the game without some of his key players and in the 20th minute, Chicharito gave Mexico the lead. Pablo Barrera skipped past Elderson Echiejile on the left and crossed for the United striker to tap in the opener.
The Eagles levelled up nine minutes later. Barrera turned villain, as he blocked Nnamdi Oduamadi’s goal-bound effort. The referee sent the defender off and pointed to the spot. Brown Ideye stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick with aplomb. Nigeria made their superiority count in the 40th minute, as they took the lead through John Ogu’s deflected effort.
However, Keshi’s men failed to make their one-man advantage count in the second half, as the Mexicans grew in confidence. Chicharito pounced again in the 70th minute to equalise for his side, finding Vincent Enyeama’s bottom left corner, from Carlos Salcido’s cross.
Nigeria will travel back on the continent, where they will face Kenya on Wednesday, in a crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying game.
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