Nigeria’s domestic league stars, NPFL All-Stars put up a brave fight but lost 1-2 to top Spanish Laliga team, Valencia CF in a friendly at the Mestalla Stadium on Wednesday.
Valencia dominated in the early stages and scored in the 10th minute after Alvaro Medran powered home a header off a pull –out from the left. But the expected annihilation o the NPFL All-Stars failed to materialize as the Nigerians grew in confidence.
Joseph Osadiaye equalized by reacting swiftly as the Valencia goalkeeper fumbled with the ball from a corner kick in the 32nd minute, and the NPFL All-Stars maintained sustained high spirit till the end of the first half.
On resumption, the NPFL All-Stars threw everything into the game. But Rodrigo Moreno got the winner for the home team with six minutes left on the clock.
The NPFL All-Stars will now move to Cadiz for the Trofoe Carranza Tournament, where they will play against UEFA Champions League and Spanish Laliga runners –up Atletico Madrid and Malaga on Friday.