Int’l Friendly: Ecuador pip Nigeria as Eagles rue missed chances

The Super Eagles were defeated 1-0 by Ecuador in their second friendly match, which took place in New Jersey, United States, in the early hours of Friday.

Villarreal left-back Pervis Estupinan scored early to hand new Eagles boss Jose Peseiro his second defeat.

The Eagles only made one change from their starting lineup against Mexico, with Faisal Sani replacing the injured Innocent Bonke.

The West African side have now played five consecutive games without a victory, two stalemates and three losses. 

Ecuador took the lead after three minutes thanks to Estupinan, who sprinted on unmarked to a swung in setpiece before heading past a stranded Francis Uzoho.

Ecuador almost doubled their advantage in the 11th minute when Angel Mena's attempted lob hit the roof of the net.

In the 14th minute, the Eagles had a penalty claim as Terem Moffi appeared to be hauled down after rounding the Ecuadorian goalkeeper, but the referee blew for a goal kick.

Ecuador continued to produce chances and came close to going 2-0 up when a stunning curler from Jose Cifuentes was pushed over for a corner by Uzoho.

Semi Ajayi had the Eagles' finest chance in the 30th minute, but the Ecuadorian goalkeeper stopped his header on the line.

The Eagles made two substitutions at the start of the second half, with Ola Aina and Emmanuel Dennis replacing Sani and Chidozie Awaziem.

Ecuador came close to scoring a second goal just three minutes into the second half, but Uzoho got down brilliantly to save a low attempt.

Moffi attempted a low strike on the edge of the box in the 50th minute, but the opposing goalkeeper made a fantastic save.

On 57 minutes, Emmanuel Dennis could have equalized for the Eagles after a beautiful cross from Bassey, but he blazed his shot over the bar from close range.

Also on 62 minutes, Bassey came near for the Eagles with a long-range attempt that the Ecuador goalkeeper saved.

Minutes after, Dessers was through on goal and came face to face with the keeper, but he couldn't get past him.

Moses Simon floated in a corner in the 69th minute, but Ajayi's header bounced on the top of the net.

The Eagles pressed for an equalizer and were almost rewarded on 80 minutes when Dessers met a corner with his head, but his effort went inches wide.

In the 82nd minute, Ecuador had an opportunity to extend their lead, but Uzoho made a fantastic save before the rebound was blazing over the bar.

With two minutes remaining, Uzoho made another outstanding stop, diving low to palm away a low shot.