Spanish giants, Valencia, got the better of a selected XI from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday night in a friendly.
The Oranges defeated the NPFL All-Star 2-1 at the 55,000 capacity Mestalla Stadium.
The game was the brainchild of the new partnership between the League Management Company (LMC) and the Royal Spanish Football Federation signed in April.
It was a rare experience for the Nigerian lads while their Spanish counterparts used the game as preparation for the upcoming season.
Coach Pako Ayestaran who described the Nigerians as “strong on attack” fielded a formidable line-up which had the likes of Nani, ex-Barcelona defender, Martin Montoya and Paco Alcácer.
The Nigerians meanwhile, led by Super Eagles head coach, Salisu Yusuf, started four players from defending champions, Enyimba while Enugu Rangers provided two.
The host dominated proceedings in the early stages and were rewarded in the 10th minute after Alvaro Medran powered home a header off a pull-out from the left.
At this point, a mauling was expected but the Nigerians gradually gained confidence as the game progressed.
They finally got their breakthrough after 32 minutes through Joseph Osadiaye, who cashed in on a defensive calamity to head home the equaliser.
On resumption, the NPFL All-Stars threw everything into the game.
Rodrigo Moreno got the winner for the home team with six minutes left on the clock.
Despite the defeat, the Nigerian lads made a good account of themselves against the third most successful club in Spain – behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.
They now move to Cadiz for the Trofoe Carranza Tournament, where they will play against UEFA Champions League and Spanish La Liga runners-up, Atletico Madrid and Malaga on Friday.
