Nigeria and Italy Friendly Match Ended Fairly.

Shola Ameobi scored one goal and set up

another as Nigeria held Italy to a surprise

2-2 draw on Monday.

Stephen Keshi's men headed into the

game having clinched their place at next

year's World Cup with a play-off win over

Ethiopia on Saturday.

And the African nation carried that

momentum into the friendly clash at

Craven Cottage, producing a determined

performance against the four-time World

Cup winners.

Italy were on top for much of the

encounter and took the lead early on

thanks to Giuseppe Rossi.

Nigeria launched a superb fightback,

though, with Ameobi setting up Bright

Dike for the equaliser before giving his

side the advantage with a fine improvised

volley.

Cesare Prandelli's side did level through

Emanuele Giaccherini, but there were to

be no further goals despite numerous

opportunities for both teams.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore

Sirigu replaced Gianluigi Buffon in goal

for Italy, while Fiorentina striker Rossi

was included up front as Prandelli made

eight changes to the side that drew 1-1

with Germany on Friday.

Newcastle United forward Ameobi was

among those recalled to Nigeria's line-up.

Nigeria had the better of the opening

exchanges, but it was Italy who took the

lead 12 minutes in, as Rossi converted

with a delicate finish following great hold-

up play from Mario Balotelli.

Sirigu producing a strong save to prevent

Ogenyi Onazi's long-range effort from

finding the net as Nigeria sought an

immediate reply.

Italy dominated for the majority of the

half, though, and had opportunities to

double their lead, with Milan duo Ricardo

Montolivo and Balotelli both spurning

clear chances.

Despite Italy's dominance, Nigeria levelled

things up 10 minutes before half-time

when Dike rose highest to head home

Ameobi's superb cross.

There was then a further shock for Italy

five minutes later as Ameobi cleverly

converted Francis Benjamin's near-post

delivery to give his side an unlikely lead.

Balotelli came close to a stunning

equaliser as half-time approached,

controlling a deflected high cross in

audacious fashion before testing

Augustine Ejide with a vicious volley.

But Nigeria's lead lasted only two minutes

into the second half. Rossi linked up well

with Antonio Candreva before Giaccherini

slotted under Edije.

Substitute Marco Parolo twice had the

chance to put Italy in front for a second

time, firstly blasting over from point-

blank range after substitute goalkeeper

Victor Enyeama had pulled off a fine stop

from an Andrea Pirlo free-kick, and then

seeing a deflected effort strike the post.

Balotelli and Nigeria substitute Emmanuel

Emenike each squandered clear openings

in the closing stages, but neither side

could find a winner.

The closing stages provided particularly

frantic fare as play switched from end to

end, much to the delight of those in

attendance.