TheCable

The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to the Three Lions in a pre-World Cup game at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Dele Alli, a player of Nigerian descent, was showered with boos every time he touched the ball while Iwobi, another player who had the option of playing for Nigeria and England, scored in the international friendly.

Gary Cahill’s stunning header gave Gareth Southgate’s men an early lead after seven minutes. England’s skipper Harry Kane doubled the lead for the hosts in 39th minute.

Nigeria had their first glimpse of the ball in the final third when, as the clock ran down, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi became a bit more lively on the wings but they failed to connect with the attack.

Despite the slow start, England had pace and controlled the game in the first 45 minutes.

Gernot Rohr made four changes before the second half as Kenneth Omeruo, Tyronne Ebuehi, John Ogu and Oghenekaro Etebo came on for Leon Balogun, Shehu Abdullahi, Joel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi respectively.

Odion Ighalo’s effort cannoned off the post and bounced back to Iwobi, who was on hand to fire home in the 47th minute.

Both countries have clashed only twice previously at senior level: one competitive match and one friendly.

The friendly was in 1994 when the Three Lions pipped the Eagles 1-0 at the old Wembley Stadium.

The second time was a group phase tie at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan.