Valencia Defeats NPFL All Stars 2-1

Valencia defeated NPFL All-Stars 2-1 in a friendly international in Alzira, near Valencia.

The match winner was scored in the 83rd minute by Rodrigo Moreno, who rounded up goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa before slotting home.

Valencia dominated the game, but the Nigeria selected side did well to keep their defensive shape even if they offered very little going forward.

Hosts Valencia enjoyed a bright start, enjoying more of the ball possession and pegging the Nigeria league selected side in their own half of the pitch.

They deservedly opened scoring after 10 minutes, when Medran headed a long ball beyond the rushing goalkeeper Ezenwa.

Valencia continued to apply the pressure in front of an appreciable crowd and it was not until the 23rd minute before striker Godwin Obaje made the first attempt at goal for the NPFL All-Stars.

The Nigerian side gradually got into the game and drew level after 32 minutes through Joseph Osadiaye, who cashed in on a defensive calamity to head home.

Injured Matthew Etim was forced to give way to Ifeanyi Nweke in the 42nd minute.

In first half stoppage time, an effort by Valencia was chalked off for offside.

Valencia again dominated the second half as the NPFL All-Stars did well to keep their shape at the back.

The visitors seemed to be running away with a confidence-boosting result before the home side delivered the killer blow seven minutes from time.

NPFL All-Stars starting XI: Ikechukwu Ezenwa – Chima Akas (Captain), Matthew Etim (Ifeanyi Nweke 42), Chinedu Udoji, Jamiu Alimi – Dare Ojo (Obinna Nwobodo 53), Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Abdulrahman Bashir 74) – Rabiu Ali (Charles Henlong 64), Chisom Egbuchulam (Ezekiel Bassey 64), Joseph Osadiaye – Godwin Obaje (Ismaila Gata 64)