International friendly wrap: Nigeria thump Argentina

Nigeria defeated a second-string Argentina team 4-1 in an international friendly on Wednesday, while Canada drew 2-2 with Ecuador.

Argentina coach Sergio Bautista fielded an under-strength team for the match in Abuja, featuring only two players who were named in the 26-man preliminary squad for the Copa America on home soil next month.

Hosts Nigeria were in front after just nine minutes at the Abuja Stadium, when a shot from Ikechukwu Uche deflected in off Real Madrid defender Ezequiel Garay.

It was 2-0 on 26 minutes – Federico Fazio fouled Everton’s Victor Anichebe and West Ham striker Victor Obinna scored from the penalty spot.

Real Zaragoza man Uche then headed home to put the hosts 3-0 up six minutes before the break.

Fenerbahce forward Emmanuel Emenike completed the scoring six minutes into the second half, collecting a long ball before beating Independiente’s Adrian Gabbarini in the Argentina goal.

The visitors did grab a late consolation from the penalty spot – Wigan Athletic flop Mauro Boselli converted from 12 yards out after Everton’s Joseph Yobo handled in the area.

In other matches, Canada came from behind to draw 2-2 at home to Ecuador at BMO Field.

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Terry Dunfield put Canada ahead on 23 minutes and the hosts remained in front going into the half-time break.

But former Birmingham City striker Christian Benitez levelled for Ecuador on 61 minutes and just two minutes later they were ahead, courtesy of a goal from midfielder Michael Arroyo.

PSV Eindhoven’s Atiba Hutchinson struck two minutes into injury time to secure a draw for Canada.

Also on Wednesday, second-half goals from Bayern Munich midfielder Anatoliy Tymoschuk and Dynamo Moscow forward Andriy Voronin gave the Ukraine a 2-0 win at home to Uzbekistan, while Japan drew 0-0 at home to Peru.