Nigeria lost 1-0 Czech Republic in an international friendly played at the Schwechat Stadium in Austria on Wednesday afternoon, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

This was Nigeria’s last game before heading off to Russia, giving coach Gernot Rohr one last chance to iron out any deficiencies before the real action begins.

Both teams started the game with attacking intent, however, it was the Czech Republic who were creating all the chances, but were denied by a combination of good defending and poor finishing.

The Czech pressure eventually paid off as they opened the scoring with 25 minutes played. A short corner was whipped in and a near-post header forced a good save out of Francis Uzoho but the ball fell into the path of Tomas Kalas, who had a simple finish.

Nigeria were struggling to play with any fluidity and were restricted to chances from set plays for the remainder of the first half.

1-0 to the Czech’s at the break.

The Super Eagles started the second half with more intent as they looked to keep the ball and break down a stubborn Czech defence.

The players were then called off the pitch on 59 minutes as the heavens opened, with rain and hail pelting the pitch. The storm soon calmed, and the players were brought back onto the pitch.

As has become the norm in international friendlies, both teams made several substitutions as the coaches looked to give some of their squad players an opportunity.

The changes affected the tempo of the game and despite a much better showing in the second half, Nigeria could not find an equaliser.

The Czech’s held on for the 1-0 victory as Nigeria ended their preparations for the World Cup with a loss.