S.Korea beat Nigeria 2-1 in friendly

South Korea beat Nigeria 2-1 in a friendly on Wednesday, handing Cho Kwang-Rae his first victory as national team coach.

The teams had drawn 2-2 in their World Cup group match in June, with South Korea advancing to the knockout stage while Nigeria returned home after finishing last in the four-team group.

South Korea took the lead in the 17th minute with a right-foot shot from Yoon Bit-Garam on his international debut, Yonhap news agency reported.

Nigeria levelled the score in the 27th minute when Osaze Odemwingie headed in Kalu Uche’s free kick, before Choi Hyo-Jin scored his first international goal following a pass from Manchester United’s Park Ji-Sung in the 44th minute.

South Korea’s veteran goalkeeper Lee Woon-Jae started the game at Suweon, south of Seoul.

Lee played nearly half an hour in his 132nd and final international, bringing the curtain down on a 17-year career with the national team. He announced his retirement last week to make way for younger players.